Trade leaders say Government plans for a mandatory retailing code on pubs will make life harder for hosts.
The Government has confirmed plans to implement a mandatory code, with bans on deals such as all-inclusives and free drinks for women. Happy hours and drinking games won't be in the code, but councils could get more powers to ban them if they cause problems locally.
Other measures in the code include compulsory staff training and unit labelling at the bar, and forcing pubs to offer drinks in smaller glasses. The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) highlighted these three proposals as a particular burden if applied everywhere.
But despite reports before the announcement, made in the Queen's Speech, cheap supermarket alcohol is targeted. Bans on discounted bulk purchases and limiting the sale of low-price alcohol if it is linked to disorder are proposed, alongside curbs on ads for cut-price offers.
Noctis boss Paul Smith welcomed these moves and urged Government to "follow through" on them. Association of Chief Police Officers lead on alcohol licensing Mike Craik accused "some retailers" of "putting profits before responsibility and cutting the price of alcohol until it is cheaper than water."
Measures would be imposed via licence conditions. Breaches could mean licence reviews and revocations.
A consultation announcing details will be released next year. A draft consultation, revealed by the MA in October, proposed other harsh measures, including compulsory "mystery shopper" visits, counting customers in and out and knowing the age of all punters.
It's unclear if these edicts will be in the consultation.
Need for clarity
"There is a need for clarity," said Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers boss Nick Bish. He questioned how Government would legislate on drinks promotions.
BBPA boss Rob Hayward said: "We are encouraged that the Government is seeking to focus on banning irresponsible promotions, and urge it to ensure these measures cover everyone who retails alcohol.
"However, other mandatory code proposals will impose an unnecessary, disproportionate and costly red-tape burden on well-run pubs. They will condemn more pubs to closure."
Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne said: "There are a range of proposals here that are going to make life very difficult for licensees and barstaff."
Changing the offence of persistently selling alcohol to children, which carries a three-month licence suspension, is also planned under Wednesday's announcement. It would change from three strikes to two strikes within three months.
MA legal editor Peter Coulson said it would need new laws to get the code passed as blanket licence conditions are not allowed under the Licensing Act — and bans on deals could face problems under EU competition law.
More stings
Pubs could face more underage stings and other crackdowns after the Government promised an extra £4.5m for enforcement activity.
Local crime and disorder partnerships will get £3m for "targeted enforcement activity" at 190 designated areas across all police forces in England and Wales.
An extra £1.5m is available to councils and police who bid for money for campaigns over this festive period. Action could vary from test-purchase operations to helping alcohol addicts.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "There is no simple solution to tackling this problem — we all have a responsibility to tackle the binge-drinking culture. I look forward to seeing the results of our £4.5m crackdown on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder."
Cigarette vending machines
Hosts must wait to hear whether a ban on pub cigarette vending machines is on the cards.
The Government promised "further restrictions on the sale of tobacco to address the problem of young people taking up smoking". This follows a "record response" to a consultation, which proposed a ban on vending machines.
"Details will be announced shortly," the Government said.