Cost of reform is top fear for licensees

Licensing reform comes out as the top concern for licensees, according to latest research conducted by the Red Tape Group and The Publican.

Licensees fear the new licensing regime will bring more bureaucracy as well as costs. Following closely behind were the threat of legislation to tackle smoking, the national minimum wage, the 48-hour week and disability legislation.

Licensees have been burdened with 153 new pieces of legislation since Labour came into power six years ago, according to the Red Tape Group.

It says that the raft of regulations brought in since the Labour government took power has angered and confused tenants.

Kate Nicholls, spokesman for the Red Tape Group, said: "Red tape is the number one issue facing small firms. Too much legislation introduced too quickly is leaving businesses confused and uncompetitive. Pubs are literally being strangled as a result and the situation is getting worse.

"It is clear that despite the government's pledges to take note of business concerns, they are failing to deliver meaningful benefits to licensees."

The Red Tape Group is to press the government for a review of the costs of all new legislation.

"We will be seeking urgent talks with government ministers and officials to propose some solutions to lessen the burden of regulation. Many small businesses within our industry are on the critical list and may not survive in the long-term unless immediate action is taken," said Ms Nicholls.

The Red Tape Group will be putting forward three main recommendations to government at a meeting in the House of Commons on November 11.

These are:

• A rain check on red tape - let the turmoil of licensing and gambling reform settle down. It wants a review of the new licensing regime after two years and a freeze on fees during that time so the true cost and impact on licensees can be assessed and changes made.
• Financial assistance for compliance - capital allowances to help small businesses meet the costs of complying with legislation to provide disabled access and better ventilation.
• Employment law - retain the 48-hour opt-out when it is reviewed in November and end the automatic annual uprating of the national minimum wage.