News Article Comments : BBPA urges Peers to ditch alcohol code

Peers have been warned the mandatory code on alcohol retailing is “ill-conceived” and will result in further bureaucracy and costs.

British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds has written to all Peers ahead of a crucial meeting tomorrow, urging them to ditch the code.

The code, which would have forced pubs to follow conditions including curbs on drinks promotions and smaller drinks servings, could cost the trade £58m to implement with on-going annual costs of £38m. Last month Business Secretary Peter Mandelson called for the code to be shelved in order to help businesses struggling during the recession.

The Lords will consider whether or not to give the Government the power to introduce the code as part of the Policing and Crime Bill tomorrow.

The BBPA has campaigned vigorously against the code, claiming it is not the right way forward, given the untargeted nature of the measures and the way they will penalise well-run premises.

The Association says