Mandatory alcohol code is simply 'more red tape' for pubs

14th May 2009, 10:13am

A ban on drinks promotions such as 'all you can drink for £10' has been confirmed by the Home Office with the drinks industry labelling the move as yet more regulation and red tape for the struggling pub sector.

The proposed mandatory code of practice for pubs, clubs, off-licences and supermarkets is one of the latest steps in the Government's plans to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder which costs the UK up to £13 billion every year.

The proposed mandatory code of practice includes:

* banning promotions such as 'all you can drink for £10', speed drinking competitions and 'dentist's chairs', where alcohol is dispensed directly into the mouth of any customer

* ensuring all bars, pubs and clubs offer alcohol in both measures so customers have the choice between a single or double measure of spirits and a large or small glass of wine

* requiring alcohol retailers to display information about the alcohol unit content of drinks and for supermarkets and convenience stores, the health impacts of alcohol under powers from the Food Safety Act.

Any premises that breach the mandatory code or local discretionary conditions that have been imposed will face a range of possible sanctions including losing their licence, having additional tough conditions imposed on their licence or, on summary conviction, a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "We do not want to stop the vast majority of people who enjoy a drink responsibly from doing so but this code will crack down on the minority of businesses whose irresponsible promotions fuel the excessive drinking that can lead people into crime and disorder or to risk their own or other's safety. It is not about penalising the majority who trade responsibly but the Government has a duty to tackle this issue which affects us all."

But despite confirming it would comply with the rules, the drinks and pub industry has expressed disappointment at the decision to apply more legislation to struggling businesses.

BBPA Director of Communications: Mark Hastings: "We have always supported measures designed to tackle and eradicate irresponsible drinks' promotions. However, at a time of increasing pub closures, with 39 pubs closing every week, these proposals for further red tape are disproportionate and excessive. They will place additional cost burdens on struggling pubs."

Chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, Jeremy Beadles, echoed these thoughts: "With businesses facing falling sales in the middle of a deep recession, a further set of rules and regulations which add to day to day costs is hardly welcome.

"The Government is keen to emphasise that it wishes to tackle the minority of irresponsible businesses and consumers. We support this objective but need to be clear that these proposals don't just add more bureaucracy to responsible businesses and unduly punish the majority of responsible consumers. We will consider the detail of the proposed mandatory code and respond fully in due course."

Related Articles:

• 26 Aug 2009 - Industry reacts angrily to banning of beer tax advert
• 02 Jul 2009 - Small businesses are buckling under the burden of red-tape
• 15 May 2009 - Have your say
• 24 Apr 2009 - One size fits all approach is killing our community pubs
• 18 Mar 2009 - New figures show 3.2% fall in alcohol consumption
• 04 Mar 2009 - Record number of pubs closing
• 27 Jan 2009 - Beer sales down by 8.3%
• 19 Jan 2009 - Pub closures climb towards six a day

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