That was the fear that was

As licensees and suppliers gear up for the busiest time of year, there's little chance to reflect on the past 12 months. But from the slightly less frenetic offices of the Morning Advertiser, looking back over the year, it's striking how well the trade has stood up to the enormous political pressures bearing down on it.

Take smoking, for example, the most worrying issue of the year for licensees. Thanks to some canny last-minute manoeuvring by the major pubcos, which capitalised on years of hard work by Charter, the Government was persuaded against the total ban imposed in Scotland and the Irish Republic. The food-or-smoking result is not what we want by any means, but offered a choice between what's on the table for discussion or a ban tomorrow, most licensees would plump for what we've got. With four years at least before implementation, there's still a lot to play for. Result.

Binge drinking was the political issue of the year. The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, which like the Health White Paper, has been hanging ominously over the industry for the past two years, proved less hostile than many anticipated. Sure it spelt out steps the trade must take to kick out the less responsible practices, but there was no blanket demonisation of drink, far less bans on advertising. Again, there are clearly issues, but overall the trade can breathe easier. Result.

Licensing was another worry, with fears that local authorities would wield the big stick through Draconian licensing policies, in advance of taking over next year. Well they tried, but they've been told where their powers begin and finish ­ and most have accepted the clarifications. Result.

There are still unresolved issues over AWPs in pubs under the new gambling laws, and clearly we've been fighting a losing media battle for most of the year. But licensees everywhere can look back with some relief that if things didn't get much better in 2004, then at least they didn't get any worse.

Hopefully, 2004 was far better than that for you personally. And let's hope that 2005 will be even better still. In all 50 issues of next year, the Morning Advertiser will be behind you all the way. Result.