'Confused' trade unites over ADZs
The licensed trade has repeated its calls for a serious rethink of alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) as the government draws up the final details of the scheme.
A joint letter to Home Office minister Hazel Blears is the latest example of the industry presenting a united front to government against legislation it believes is unfair and unworkable.
Eleven trade associations, including the BII and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, have united behind the letter, sent to the Home Office by British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Rob Hayward.
Other signatories include off-trade representatives the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores. ADZs, which would see businesses in areas earmarked as trouble hotspots asked to pay towards clean-up costs, are central to the government's Violent Crime Reduction Bill.
Following the second reading of the Bill earlier in the summer, ADZs - something many thought were unlikely to see the light of day - are now much closer to becoming reality.
In the letter, sent on August 19, Mr Hayward complains that the industry is "more confused than ever" about the details of the proposals following a series of trade meetings with the Home Office in July. Specifically he has demanded answers on:
- how exemptions and discounts will apply
- why the Home Office has given out conflicting advice on how ADZs will apply to off-licences
- how the Home Office can claim that the charges do not constitute a tax.
Mr Hayward asks that Ms Blears recognises that a wide range of interests, including the Association of Chief Police Officers, believe the plans are unworkable."We have listened and considered all that has been said and remain of the view that ADZs are unworkable and have other serious limitations," he said. "Most other aspects of the bill are well worth supporting and with the powers the government has taken previously - some of which are not yet in operation - the issue of alcohol disorder could be tackled effectively."
Mr Hayward says the trade is particularly supportive of the government's plans for new action on underage sales and banning orders.
Last week the BBPA was still waiting for a response to the letter.
A spokesman for the Home Office said further talks with the drinks trade over the details of the Bill would take place this month.
The full list of signatories to the letter are: the Association of Convenience Stores; the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers; the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association; the British Beer & Pub Association; the British Hospitality Association; the BII; the British Retail Consortium; Business in Sport & Leisure; the Gin & Vodka Association of Great Britain; the Scotch Whisky Association; and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.
The same organisations have also recently combined on an industry standards document, drawing together best practice principles on social responsibility, promotions and other areas.
Related articles:
Licensed trade comes together on standards (25 August 2005)
