Taunton minimum pricing illegal, says OFT
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has told a council that its minimum pricing scheme is illegal.
As the debate over the schemes continues, Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) has had its proposals for a scheme turned down by the OFT because it says it would lead to licensees contravening the Competition Act 1998.
The council had been working with licensees in Taunton to establish the minimum prices as part of wider scale efforts to curb irresponsible drinking, but the decision from the OFT has meant the plans have hit a brick wall.
Jim Hunter, head of licensing at TDBC, said: "It's frustrating, we are trying to work with the trade to put something in place that will cut down on the problems of irresponsible drinking.
"Surely there comes a time when the interests of the public and the demands of government outweighs this law."
The Home Office continues to stutter over its own line on minimum pricing and many in the trade are waiting for a definitive statement.
Critics have claimed the government is hesitating because it does not want to put obstacles in the way of the attempts to kerb binge drinking, particularly as it is demanding action from the trade.
A spokesman said: "We are consulting with the OFT on the legality of imposing the schemes where they are being considered to tackle irresponsible drinking."
The continuing lack of clarity is also frustrating licensees. Bob Watson at Henry's on the high street in Taunton, said: "The council are at the forefront of work on reducing these problems but the OFT and Home Office don't seem to be able to agree.
"With cheap drinks promotions and the like it's no wonder that Taunton is suffering at the hands of drunk people at weekends, it's bad for the town and we should be able to enforce measures to stop it."
The British Beer and Pub Association recently warned its members to avoid becoming involved with minimum pricing schemes and in the absence of a definitive line from government the trade is steering away from them.
A number of schemes have been established in Scotland but the policy is now under fire in Aberdeen where pubcos Spirit and Mitchells and Butlers have taken the council to court. A decision on whether the scheme can be enforced is expected in two weeks.
