National code needed to avoid "postcode lottery

A Home Office minister has argued that mandatory national conditions, as part of an industry code of practice, are essential to avoid a "postcode lottery".

Alan Campbell MP last week told a committee examining the code that it would not be "appropriate" to allow local authorities independence.

He said there was "almost universal concern about some of these issues in every part of the country".

He added: "Certainly, with the support of the Association of Chief Police Officers and Alcohol Concern, there is enough anxiety around issues such as "drink as much as you can for £10", to warrant the application of the code across the whole country.

"That does not mean that we ignore local considerations, which is why there will be conditions that can be applied locally as well as mandatory conditions."

However the government has yet to specify what these national conditions could be - although it has indicated there will be a maximum of nine.

Trade groups have warned a mandatory code could cost the industry around £300m in its first year.

Campbell later said the government was "keen" for the code to be in place when the Policing and Crime Bill becomes law, which could be before the summer recess in July.

"We believe that there is strong and widespread public support for a mandatory code," he added.

However Campbell gave the trade some hope by saying it is committed to action "proportionate and targeted at businesses that sell alcohol irresponsibly".

He added: "We recognise that the majority of businesses do sell alcohol responsibly, and we certainly do not want to impose unfair burdens upon them, particularly in the difficult economic climate."

On minimum pricing, Campbell said there were no plans to introduce the measure as a mandatory condition, but did not rule out looking it at as a possibility in future.

He also ruled out the idea of raising the minimum age for buying alcohol.

He said: "It is entirely inappropriate that a young man or woman can fight for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet not be able to buy a pint of beer or a bottle of wine to celebrate their being back home with their family."