Ministers discuss yellow and red cards

Government ministers have held a summit meeting with police and local authorities today to discuss the new yellow and red card system for dealing with problem premises.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker and licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe (pictured​) called the meeting to explore how existing powers can be used more effectively.

High on the agenda was the new two-strike rule set out in the Youth Alcohol Action Plan.

A yellow card will put problem premises on immediate probation with "tough"​ and "uncompromising"​ sanctions.

A red card will mean immediate revocation of the licence.

"Most licensees take their responsibilities seriously, but we need to be sure that those who don't are quickly dealt with,"​ said licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

"There is a range of powers available that are being used effectively in many areas, but there is not a consistent picture across the country.

"We want to hear from police and local authorities about what has worked well in their area, and what problems prevent existing powers and resources being targeted effectively."

Consistent enforcement​

Ministers also encouraged police and Trading Standards to make full use of local knowledge to identify and target premises known to sell to children or cause disorder.

The key points identified at the summit will be used to inform a a series of regional workshops in the coming months to ensure a more consistent and effective use of licensing powers.

Coaker added: "I am grateful for the ongoing support of our police and local authority partners in clamping down on the minority of problem premises. By working together we have already achieved a great deal - in the last national campaign fewer than 15 per cent of premises repeatedly sold alcohol to children, down from nearly 50 per cent three years ago. ​

"Today's meeting is about sharing evidence of what works well already, alongside understanding how new powers will help us to go even further."

The meeting came on the day that alcohol disorder zone legislation came into force.