BII: alcohol code is a 'mistake'

The mandatory code on alcohol retailing is a mistake and a disproportionate response to the minority of problem premises, the BII has told the Government.

The code will force pubs to follow conditions including curbs on drinks promotions and smaller drinks servings and could cost the trade £58m to implement with on-going annual costs of £38m.

Councils would also have the right to impose harsher conditions on multiple venues.

In its official consultation response, the BII said it was opposed to the code because:

• There are already considerable powers available to the authorities through existing legislation not least the Licensing Act.

• BII members are opposed to additional legislative burdens.

• The proposals seek to add conditions to all licensed premises in an indiscriminate way which is not justified as the majority are well run.

• The role of overseeing the implementation of these proposals falls to Local Authorities whose resources are already stretched. It could also lead to damaging inconsistencies and confusion across the country.

• Additional costs at this time would only serve to accelerate the increasing number of pubs closing.

• BII members fail to see how the proposed additional conditions would address the problems of binge drinking and drunkenness.

"BII members are pleased that ministers recognise the valuable revenue that pubs, bars and clubs contribute to the economy and feel that the recent announcement of a new application process for minor variations to licences is a positive move for our industry," said BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

"They also commend government's drive to address the problems of binge-drinking and drunkenness. However, they feel these proposals are a disproportionate response to the minority of premises which cause concerns.

"Members recognise that some of the ideas raised may have merit but feel that these are often already being addressed through industry best practice by professionals like themselves and that making these mandatory conditions is a mistake."