Trade reaction to code

Trade leaders give their reaction to plans for the mandatory code announced in the Queen's Speech today:

British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Rob Hayward:​

"We are encouraged that the Government is seeking to focus on banning irresponsible promotions and urge them 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 community pubs. They will condemn more pubs to closure and put more people out of work.

"Small businesses, such as community pubs are groaning under the strain of the economic recession. Pubs are closing at the record rate of five a day and more than 40,000 jobs have already been lost. Communities across Britain are losing the social hub of the pub. Pubs have been denied any potential benefit from the fiscal stimulus in the Pre-Budget Report last week, because of the increase in beer tax - which will increase still further next March.

"There is some sign that the Government is starting to hear the concerns of consumers and industry and recognise the damage being done to pubs. It's time for Government to work with us and communities across Britain to support and save the great British pub. This is no time to be looking for new ways to increase red-tape costs and burdens, placing ever more pubs and jobs in jeopardy.

"Well run pubs should not be punished for the problems caused by poorly run businesses and irresponsible individuals. The Government has the weapons it needs to tackle irresponsible retailers by rigorously enforcing the Licensing Act. We don't need new laws and regulations, just better enforcement of existing laws."

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish:​

"We'll have to wait on the details of the Home Office consultation. I suppose that we can see a small chink of light, in what has otherwise been a pretty dark couple of weeks - the Government has at least decided against a blanket ban on 'happy hours'.

"Licensees should be able to run their pubs and bars for the benefit of their customers without unnecessary and burdensome Government regulations. We know that the vast majority of pubs and bars retail in a responsible manner, and that the real problem behind irresponsible drinking is the sales policy of supermarkets that flood our streets, parks and playgrounds with cheap alcohol.

"Of course we welcome measures that might yet tackle the irresponsible pricing strategies of supermarkets, but still believe that a ban on below cost selling would be the most effective way of doing this."

With regard to other proposals, Bish continues: "There is a need for clarity. The Government may talk about banning promotions specific to women, but how would you legislate for that without excluding other groups? What about pensioners, for example? Similarly the proposal that staff are "properly" trained is one which needs much more clarity.

"The Government needs to be very cautious here. New legislation against pubs and bars would not only affect the overwhelming majority of responsible drinkers but also lead to more pub closures; it would discourage openings in the sector and leave alcohol sales back in the hands of supermarkets and their below-cost sales strategies."

Noctis executive director Paul Smith:​

"I await further details of these proposals but there does not appear to be much in the announcement that has not been run past us by Government in the past.

"Plans to tighten up supermarket offers are welcome but they have to be followed through.

"Noctis welcomes the chance to consult with Government on any reasonable proposal to tackle problems within the industry.

"But the public disorder issue stems to a high degree from youngsters bingeing on cheap off-trade drink before they get anywhere near a high street pub and bar and this has to be addressed."

Wine and Spirit Trade Association chief executive Jeremy Beadles:​

"We welcome the Government's determination, based on its own findings that most businesses are operating according to industry best practice, that action to tackle alcohol misuse should be focused on the minority of irresponsible premises and promotions.

"We will work with Government to ensure that a retail code tackles the minority of irresponsible premises and doesn't just create new layers of bureaucracy and red-tape for the majority of responsible businesses, local authorities and our over-stretched police forces.

"It would also be wrong if action aimed at tackling the problem minority resulted in millions of responsible consumers paying a higher price for their weekly shop."

Poppleston Allen partner Jeremy Allen:​

"Not a huge number of surprises there but the Government will have difficult in defining the conditions they want to ban. All you can drink for £10 as a specific condition can be banned but what about admission to premises for £10 and then all drinks free? The police haven't generally found this promotion to be a particular problem. What are 'very large amounts' of alcohol? Is this 'two for the price of one'? Would it include the offer of five bottles of wine for £15 with a sixth thrown in free?

"Where are customers going to be able the see the unit content of all alcohol when they buy it? Is it going to be on a notice or has it go to be attached to bottles? What about mixes? It seems to me that there will need to be a lot of talking before the Government actually comes out with detailed proposals to ban particular conditions."

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne:​

"There are a range of proposals here which are going to make life very difficult for publicans and the staff working behind their bars and the general tenor of this document clearly indicates the Government means business.

"Greater diligence on serving under age youngsters is one obvious area where better staff training is going to be paramount," he warned.

"The new 'two strikes" proposal is obviously going to put a lot more pressure on licensees.

"There are a number of things we would support such as the ban on £10-all-you-can-drink offers.

"But we would like to see even greater emphasis on the control of supermarket selling tactics particularly on the volume and container size of alcohol which is on special offer.

"Overall the proposals are aimed at pubs and the on-trade appears to be taking a major hammering."