Lords cast doubt on new drinks laws
Doubts have been cast as to whether imposing tough new conditions on pubs and bars is the best way of solving alcohol-related problems.
Government plans to impose a mandatory code of practice on the drinks industry were discussed in the House of Lords yesterday as part of a debate on the Policing and Crime Bill.
During the session Baroness Hanham said that "serious measures" were needed to tackle alcohol abuse, but she added it was not clear if the code of practice would achieve "the full measure of support."
"The Minister will be aware that there is considerable disquiet, particularly among those in the retail industry, that another burden of regulation is about to fall on their heads. We must be sure that what is proposed is necessary and likely to be justified," she said.
Plans in the code include banning promotions in pubs and bars such as "all you can drink for £10", speed drinking competitions and "dentist's chairs" where alcohol is dispensed directly into the mouth of any customer.
Pubs would also be forced to offer a 125ml measure of wine and a 25ml or 35 ml measure of gin, rum vodka and whisky.
During the debate the government was also criticised for introducing too much legislation.
Baroness Miller said: "The Bill is the 66th criminal justice Bill since 1997. Between them, they have created 3,600 new criminal offences. We feel that the government has still failed to understand that you cannot solve social problems making criminal offences of them; you simply fill up our courts and prisons."
The plans will next be discussed in the House of Commons on June 22.
