Licensing minister hears trade's concerns

Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe has responded positively to the concerns of the pub industry during a meeting with BII chiefs.

BII chief executive John McNamara and director of BIIAB, Cathie Smith, met with Sutcliffe yesterday to discuss issues around the Licensing Act and the government's alcohol strategy ahead of the second anniversary of the legislation becoming law.

McNamara said: "We found the meeting very productive and were delighted at the level of support we received for a number of our key campaigns.

"On the back of the industry meeting with the Prime Minister earlier this week the discussion also centred on the National Alcohol Strategy and it was agreed that the general public and the media need to be made more aware of the work of responsible licensees like the 50,000 BII members across the country."

Sutcliffe was sympathetic to the BIIAB's joint campaign with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to ensure that government funding for qualifications meet the needs of the trade, the BII said.

McNamara added: "Mr Sutcliffe was also interested in our members' views on the Licensing Act and how the first two years have been perceived. From our members' point of view it is really too early to say what the long term impact will be but where applied for our members have gained longer and more flexible hours to meet the needs of their businesses.

"Again the over reaction of the media has been the sticking point with hysterical coverage of supposed 24-hour opening or drinking.

"The reality is that less than 0.5 per cent of pubs have 24-hour licences and are using them for special circumstances and occasions.

"We are looking forward to further positive dialogue in the near future with the Minister," he said.