Top cop: police powers sufficient
The country's most influential policeman on alcohol-related issues says officers have enough power already in the Licensing Act to regulate pubs.
Simon O'Brien, who has replaced Chris Allison as the Association of Chief Police Officers' (ACPO) lead on licensing, also came out against blanket glass bans in an exclusive interview with the Morning Advertiser.
His comments are significant as they come while the Government considers a host of new regulations against pubs, particularly through in the much-criticised mandatory code for alcohol retailers.
"It's my view, and that of other colleagues at ACPO, that we have a sufficient amount of legislation," said the Metropolitan Police commander.
"I'm comfortable with the amount of legislation we have at the moment."
On the conduct of licensees, O'Brien said: "The vast majority act very responsibly. Licensees are superb policemen of people on their premises. There are certain people in the on-trade that don't act responsibly, or wish to promote irresponsible promotions, but I think they are a minority."
He was also unenthusiastic about Alcohol Disorder Zones: "I'm not sure anyone would want to brand their town centre an Alcohol Disorder Zone. What I would prefer is ACPO, businesses and local authorities in certain areas working together so people would see the positives, rather than branding areas as disorder zones."
His predecessor Chris Allison was known for his tough stance on the trade. O'Brien's more conciliatory approach can already be seen from this year's Christmas alcohol crackdown, which he helped to shape.
In previous years these focused solely on sting operations. This year Government cash can also be used to target problem drinkers and aid voluntary social-responsibility schemes.
O'Brien said action against licensed venues must be "intelligence-led and proportionate". He also took a different line from his predecessor on polycarbonates. Allison said he wanted them adopted across the trade, but O'Brien said: "I have a slightly different view.
"I think polycarbonates have a place to play. It should be based on risk and should be proportionate. I certainly won't be calling for blanket use, but will be pushing to say that where it is an advantage to trade, to customers and potential victims of crime, it's an option."
O'Brien on...
• The impact of the Licensing Act: "There was crime and disorder before, there has been crime and disorder since. There's some evidence that it happens slightly later. Certainly there has not been the massive impact some feared, but also there's not been a massive decrease. It's roughly neutral."
• Cheap supermarket alcohol: "I think there's a fine line between irresponsible pricing and/or marketing and good, lawful business practice. The whole issue around pricing is one with many views and it's a complex area. What I would prefer is to have a responsible conversation with off-licence traders to ask them to look at their position. At present I feel there's some more investigation and conversation to be done."
