'A blizzard of unnecessary red tape' - BBPA slams draft code

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has added its weight to criticisms of controversial government draft proposals covering the drinks industry.

The draft code of practice has hit the national headlines over threats of a ban on promotions such as 'free drinks for women'.

But Mark Hastings, the BBPA's director of communications, said: "If this mandatory code just banned free drinks for women and other irresponsible promotions we would have no objections at all. In fact it would have our full support.

"However, it goes far broader and deeper than that. It introduces a host of detailed regulations on the way every licensed business in Britain should be managed and run on a day-to-day basis, with all the accompanying enforcement and record keeping."

He also attacked the government departments involved.

"While the PM and Chancellor are busy trying to resuscitate the economy, it seems perverse that the Home Office and Department of Health seem intent on burying it in a blizzard of unnecessary red-tape," he added.

"They already have the power to put whatever mandatory conditions they choose on any particular licence - that way they can target the problem venues rather burden everyone.

"The last thing the British people and business need at this time is to be further burdened by rising costs and regulation."

Among the other proposals are:

• Every entrance to every licensed venue will have to have an age restriction sign
• Twice a year, every licensed business has to meet with the police and licensing authorities - that's 400,000 meetings a year - 33,000 police working days a year
• 72 hours before every major sporting event - either live or televised - every licensed business has to have a discussion with the police
• An end to music, dancing, comedy and entertainment - no event can be more than 70 decibels - the level of a hairdryer
• Every single document published by a drinks company will have to carry the sensible drinking message
• All licensed retailers have to know the age of all their customers ('It is essential that retailers are aware of the age of their customers')
• You can't just pour wine from a bottle into a glass in a restaurant - ('under no circumstances must drinks be provided in such a way that the amount of alcohol cannot be measured by both serving staff and customer')
• Everybody who works in the leisure & hospitality sector has to have accredited, examined and certified training