Government-funded stings could be over
Government-funded national sting operations targeting sales to under-18s and drunks could be a thing of the past, says Home Office minister Alan Campbell.
In an exclusive interview with the MA, he also suggested plans to inflict costly redtape on licensees through the mandatory retailing code could be amended, calling it an "evolving process".
Last Christmas the Home Office broke with its approach of funding stings against pubs and shops that serve under-18s, and other offences including sales to drunks. Instead, areas bid for money for a range of measures, which included voluntary best-practice schemes and help for drunks.
Campbell said: "We don't have any future plans to fund national underage sales operations but we very much support the operations that take place locally."
Flagging up the £1.5m campaign from the last festive period, the minister said: "I think it's that targeted approach that can be the way forward."
The alcohol retailing code will see mandatory conditions on pubs, including curbs on drinks deals, operating Challenge 21 and offering smaller drinks measures. Councils could also attach more stringent conditions to multiple venues.
It's been slated for adding unnecessary costs for licensees and trade groups are consulting lawyers about the legality of parts, including giving councils powers to set conditions without formal licence reviews.
Campbell said: "My view is there is sufficient concern about some aspects of licensing that the time is right for a mandatory code.
"We certainly hope we got it right and therefore wouldn't be a need for a [legal] challenge.
He added: "This is a working document and for the past few weeks, and for the next few weeks, there's been and will be a lot of consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.
"No doubt it's an evolving process. What we want to do is then have a wide-as-we-can consultation because we want to offer the public a say on this."
He re-iterated his view that only irresponsible licensees will suffer under the code, set to be implemented in the summer. "We want them [the code provisions] to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder without unintended consequences."
ADZ fears means higher standards
The threat of Alcohol Disorder Zones (ADZs) has led operators to raise their retailing standards, says Campbell.
He defended the controversial measure, which would see pubs pay an extra levy for the cost alcohol-related problems. Councils could push for an ADZ from last year but none are known to have done so.
"If it's seen as a 'big stick' it could well have an effect without being implemented. There's plenty of anecdotal evidence of that. I was in Cambridge last week and that was pointed out to me by the police.
"By having them as a very last resort it actually serves a purpose."
