Police want control over drink prices
Minimum pricing has reared its head again, with police in Plymouth urging venues to set a price at which drinks will not be sold.
Police want operators to agree a minimum price in response to cheap drinks deals in the city, where some venues are charging as little as £1 per drink.
Licensees and operators were unable to agree on plans for a minimum price at a meeting of the Clubwatch group last week.
I can understand licensees' view that they could set a minimum price, but supermarkets would continue to sell alcohol as cheaply as normalBEDA executive director Paul Smith.
Operators argued that the practice is illegal - in 2005, Nottingham's minimum pricing scheme was judged by the Office of Fair Trading to have broken competition law.
They also said it was unfair to target pubs and clubs when supermarkets sell alcohol so cheaply.
Licensing officer Martin Worthington has already discussed minimum pricing with officials from the Government Office for the South West.
He now plans to take up the issue with more senior figures from central government.
There are also plans to hold meetings with local MPs, police and trade leaders in Plymouth.
Licensed Leisure Association chairman Peter Jones said: "We can set a minimum price in Plymouth but we would find a lot of people would go to Torquay or Newquay where it is cheaper.
"And it wouldn't have any impact on PLCs that have national policies on drinks prices, or supermarkets."
Bar Entertainment & Dance Association (BEDA) executive director Paul Smith said
BEDA was in favour of minimum pricing but added: "I can understand licensees' view that they could set a minimum price, but supermarkets would continue to sell alcohol as cheaply as normal."
Martin Worthington was unavailable for comment.
Does minimum pricing operate in your area? Call John Harrington on 01293 610481
