BBPA urges Portman Group not to interfere

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has warned the Portman Group not to interfere in the running of pubs.

In response to the industry watchdog's consultation on its new Code of Practice, the BBPA said it "should not attempt to interpose in the management of licensed premises".

The response added: "It was not designed for this purpose. We consider that the Portman Group code and other industry standards should be complimentary and that unnecessary repetition should be avoided wherever possible."

However a BBPA spokesman denied it was worried the industry watchdog's new code would be over-stepping the mark. "We have the Portman Group code included in the social responsibility standards, so it's about avoiding any duplication," he added.

The Portman Group is looking to publish a revised version of its Code of Practice in May or June, following a three-month consultation.

The BBPA also came out against the new code containing a ban on the explicit encouragement of rapid drinking or "downing". Its response said: "This is neither appropriate nor sensible. Restrictions could only relate to the naming of pre-packaged products".

Meanwhile the Royal College of Physicians called for a ban on single serve drinks which contain more than four units of alcohol, such as super-strength lagers and ciders. Its response read: "We suggest that the code includes a clause which states that no alcohol product in a single serve container designed for single person consumption will contain more than four units of alcohol."

However the Portman Group has ruled out including the issue of super-strength lagers and ciders in its new code. But it said it may consult separately on the issue "when the evidence base for the debate is clearer".