ADZs still "unduly bureaucratic" say lords

Controversial alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) have today taken another severe bashing from a House of Lords committee - which says the system may not work.

The proposed charging system has been described as "arcane", while the fact there is no time limit set for the existence of an ADZ has also been questioned.

The House of Lords committee report says it is "unclear" what extra benefits ADZs will bring compared to other measures, such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and powers under the Licensing Act.

Ever since ADZs were mooted the pub trade has been vehemently against them, pointing to BIDs as a far fairer alternative.

The report says the charges would cause "significant complications" for councils because many venues would challenge the fees if competitors escaped the charges.

"The basic method of calculation is highly variable," it says.

"Our concern is about the transparency and practicality of this proposal."

It also highlights the "temporary nature" of ADZs. "Despite being described as a measure of last resort and subject to three-monthly review, no finite time limit is set for the existence of an Alcohol Disorder Zone," the report says.

The conclusion states: "We wonder how many local authorities will make use of this policy given its complexity, and we draw the regulations to the special attention of the House on the ground that they may imperfectly achieve their policy objectives."

The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments is also scheduled to report on the re-tabled regulations shortly. The regulations are expected to be debated in the House of Commons on May 12 and scheduled for May 13 in the Lords.

Original draft regulations were laid last December but have since been withdrawn and relaid a number of times.