Johnson: London needs alcohol czar

ALMR chief slams the Tory's 'bizarre' idea

Tory mayoral candidate Boris Johnson has come under fire for suggesting a London alcohol czar be appointed.

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish condemned the idea as "bizarre".

Johnson told the Evening Standard: "There are already boroughs doing excellent work in tackling underage drinking and the pubs, clubs and shops that encourage it.

"A London alcohol czar is one idea that could help to roll out policies that work across the boroughs."

He said he would be prepared to publish league tables naming and shaming councils that fail to act against premises which sell to under-18s.

Bish said: "There's simply no need for an alcohol czar in London or anywhere else.

"Indeed, it was only last week that the Government published the results of its Responsible Alcohol Sales Campaign.

"It lasted four weeks, involved no fewer than 90 basic command units and covered 1,741 targeted licensed premises.

"But it resulted in the withdrawal of a single licence —with just one other being reviewed.

"So Boris has got it wrong — both in terms of timing and the policy itself. In fact, pubs are very good at preventing problems like under-age drinking.

"London's pubs don't deserve an unfounded attack — let alone a completely unnecessary czar. So I hope Boris will think again."

No ban referendum for Johnson

Johnson has admitted he does not have the power to have a referendum on the smoking ban.

Last week he caused a stir when he said in a web chat with the Sun: "We would have an online referendum in London about whether to give boroughs the power to handle discretion over smoking in pubs and clubs."

However, Johnson said his words were cut back from a full quote, which said: "What is the point

of having local democracy if we don't leave decisions like this

to a local level?

"If I had my way, we would have an online referendum."

He said it was a personal view, adding:

"It is not within the power of the mayor to have a referendum, nor will I be lobbying for the power

to grant one."