Pub trade must present a united front on licensing reform

The pub trade needs to present a united front to Parliament or it could shoot itself in the foot over licensing reform.

Speaking at a conference run by the British Institute of Innkeeping, Andrew Cunningham, head of alcohol and licensing at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has warned the trade that if it continues to be divided over the reforms it could face even stricter controls.

Trade organisations including the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailer's and the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations have been attending meetings with the government to thrash out the details of the bill.

But there have been disagreements between groups compounded by calls to "Kill the Bill" by campaigners Stuart Neame of Kent-brewer Shepherd Neame and Tim Martin of Wetherspoon's.

Mr Cunningham said some anti-drinking groups and individuals who oppose the liberalisation of licensing have the ear of ministers in Parliament which could result in amendments being made to the bill to the detriment of the trade.

"If too many in the industry are moaning and groaning, they will weaken support for the reform in parliament. But remember that the reform has other opponents out there who will be seeking to change this bill in ways you will not like at all. If you are divided you could hand victory to the nanny-staters.

"Some of these people are influential and are scaremongers," he said.

Mark Hastings, of the BBPA, agreed with the minister's views. He said: "What is clear is once the bill is presented in parliament there are a host of voices surrounding the debate who will want to be heard and it is absolutely vital that the industry has a clear line."

Kill the Bill campaigner, Stuart Neame of Kent brewer Shepherd Neame, is still fighting for the bill to be scrapped as he believes the move to local authorities will bring more red tape and costs to the industry.

"The industry does need to campaign together but higher on the list of priorities is if it is introduced into the Lords is that the system should be controlled by magistrates."

John McNamara of the British Institute of Innkeeping said: "The BII will continue to represent members' views on reform during discussions in the lead up to the publication of the bill and beyond."

The cabinet will make the final decision this week on whether to include licensing reform in the Queen speech.

Andrew Cunningham confirmed that the new licensing policy will include:

• Magistrates Courts being phased out under criminal justice reforms so licensing has to go to local authority control
• Licensing fees are to be set centrally by the government to ensure consistency
• No plans for capacity limits on most pubs although some entertainment pubs may have them introduced
• A personal licence holder will not have to be on the premises at all times
• Premises licence can be held by either a licensee or pub owner
• The system will make sure that controls are made on local authorities