FLVA fears licensing reform could hurt well run pubs

Well run pubs could be hit by the government's licensing reform plans according to trade group the Federation of Licensed Multiple Retailers (FLVA).

Last week Home Office proposals to 'rebalance' licensing laws started their passage through Parliament as part of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.

FLVA president and licensee Nigel Williams described the proposals, which include taxes on late opening venues and giving more power to communities in the licensing process, as "wide of the mark".

He said: "Comments made that the majority of public houses are operated responsibly is welcomed but we have concerns that some of the new powers will inadvertently hit these very outlets."

Williams also joined others in the trade in urging the government to address the issue of cheap supermarket alcohol sales.

"This issue must be resolved quickly, it is unfair that the majority of licensed premises are over regulated and financially burdened by a problem not of their making.

"The practice of selling "below cost" must be tackled. We believe it to be completely ridiculous that this practice results in VAT refunds on the products sold at this pricing level," he said.

Meanwhile, the FLVA has welcomed the Transport Committee's decision not to recommend a change in the drink drive limit laws.

Last week the committee said the level should stay as it is while enforcement of existing powers should be increased.

Williams said: "We argued that a reduction in the limit may well have a negative effect with the public having a level of sympathy with individuals who were found to be over the reduced limit rather than the current widespread support of sanctions taken by current transgressors. A reduction could also have had a serious effect on trade in rural areas."