Call for moratorium on new powers
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has called for a moratorium on new legislation following a top cop's admission that police already have enough powers.
New Association of Chief Police Officers lead on licensing Simon O'Brien told the Morning Advertiser that licensees were "superb policemen of people on their premises" and that police already have sufficient powers.
This is despite Government plans to introduce a mandatory code of conduct and a yellow and red card scheme for troublesome pubs.
"At a time when our industry faces a raft of further restrictions and a deluge of red tape from the Government's latest proposals, it is good hear the police taking a more positive and realistic view about pubs and their licensees," said ALMR head of communications Kate Nicholls.
"Instead of introducing new proposals which simply risk criminalising the pub trade, the Government really should sit up and take note of such a ringing endorsement of our industry.
"We have a real role to play in helping people to drink in a safe, enjoyable and responsible manner, and there needs to be better recognition of this. As Mr O'Brien said himself, there are no better policemen of premises than the licensees themselves.
She added: "Following the news last week on the success of the Licensing Act review system, ALMR once again urges the Government to consider at a moratorium on new measures that stigmatise all operators and take Mr. O'Brien's comments on board."
