Senior police want binge tax
Senior police officers have joined calls for an extra tax on alcohol to help fund the fight against binge-drinking and booze-fuelled street disorder.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) believes some of the "vast profits" earned by drinks companies should go on increased excise duty through a "polluter pays" policy.
Chief Inspector Adrian Studd of the Metropolitan Police, who is also staff officer with ACPO's liquor & licensing portfolio, said extra funds would help agencies supervise the night-time economy around town and city drinking circuits.
"ACPO supports increased taxation as long as the revenue is used directly to help the authorities tackle the problems on our high streets," Studd told delegates at the first national Best Bar None seminar in Manchester.
"I understand the licensed trade might not like this idea, but it is something ACPO fully supports," he said.
His comments follow similar calls for extra alcohol taxation by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, which have since been effectively rejected by the Treasury.
Hewitt has called on the government to increase duty on alcohol, particularly alcopops, in next year's budget.
Bar Entertainment & Dance Association senior consultant Jon Collins said: "We already contribute a vast amount of money in taxes and our view is that we should not pay any more."
Meanwhile, a record number of accreditations and entries was recorded for pubs, bars and clubs in Manchester in the city's annual Best Bar None awards.
Pioneered in Manchester, the national scheme which aims to improve retailing standards has been adopted by 60 towns and cities across the UK, with scores more set to join the fold next year.
Winners of 2006 Best Bar None awards in Manchester were: pub category -the Blue Bell, Levenshulme; club category - the Ritz, Manchester; bars category - Varsity, Manchester.
The overall winner was the Ritz, Manchester.
