Trade backs call for energy red-tape delay

Trade leaders have backed the MA's call for a delay in implementing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Confusion still reigns around EPCs — this week it was even suggested some hosts need a second certificate for the living area. EPCs will cost the industry millions of extra pounds, while trade is in the doldrums.

EPCs are to be compulsory for all pubs sold or let from 1 October. But the MA and trade groups say lack of clarity and a shortage of assessors means it should be pushed back to 1 January 2009, permitted under European law.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), the BII, Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Federation of Small Businesses and Guild of Master Victuallers all back the MA's call for a delay.

BII membership development head Allan Thompson said: "If they put back the deadline to the new year, all the better — it eases the burden on licensees."

ALMR boss Nick Bish said: "I welcome anything that eases a stodgy market. If in doubt, put the deadline back."

A spokesman for the De-partment for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) played down chances of a delay. "EPCs have already been rolled out for domestic premises sold and rented, and commercial premises, throughout the year. There haven't been any problems that would require a delay."

This week West Sussex host John Pullinger said his inspector told him two EPCs would be needed — at a total cost of around £1,700. Pullinger, who is selling the tenancy of Enterprise Inns' Queens Head, in Barns Green, said: "I'm disgusted.

"The Government says it is looking after small businessmen but it's hammering us."

The confusion even extends to the responsible Government department.

The DCLG spokesman said if a pub has a separate entrance to the living area independent of the pub itself — or has its own heating system — a separate EPC is needed for the living area.

But Cookseys DMP boss David Morgan pointed to DCLG's own guidance that says a separate EPC is needed in areas of separate use; for most pubs, the area forms part of the tenancy, so just one EPC is needed.

Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises has drawn up a list of pubs where provision of EPCs is most urgent, including houses on the market. But the firm said with-out definitive information it's in a difficult position.

Local government co-ordinator Lacors offered some comfort this week — saying "the approach will be very much about education and awareness, rather than en-forcement". However, local trading standards officers would ultimately decide how to enforce EPCs.