Government minister defends mandatory code

A Home Office minister has defended plans to tackle irresponsible alcohol sales with a mandatory code, but said he is "committed to assessing all the evidence" before implementing the measure.

Last month Best Bar None chief executive Neil Robertson wrote to Home secretary Alan Johnson urging him to scrap the plans, which are currently out for consultation.

Now Alan Campbell, the Home Office minsiter overseeing the code, has responded in a letter seen by The Publican​, saying: "You say that you are concerned that the code will not have a positive impact on crime or disorder and that the cost of the mandatory conditions will close pubs and decimate the licensed retail industry.

"I do not believe this will be the case although I am committed to assessing all the evidence before we implement the code."

Consultation meetings are currently being held across the country to discuss the code which would introduce measures such as banning irresponsible promotions, forcing pubs to offer 125ml wine measures and insisting pubs provide free tap water.

Campbell continued: "I recognise that there is a concern from some within the trade about the impact that the conditions, mandatory or locally applied will have on responsible premises.

"This code is not about tackling the responsible majority, but rather it is about stamping out irresponsible practices caused by a minority."

Robertson, who also urged Best Bar None schemes and BII members across the country to write similar letters to the governmentl, said the tone of the letter had been reflected in consultation meetings where many attendees have been against the code.

"The context of the letter has been borne out by the views expressed during consultation meetings," he said.