BII members brand mandatory code a mistake

The BII has formally hit out at the government's plans to introduce a mandatory code of practice on responsible retailing.

In its response to the government's consultation the trade body, which held a series of focus groups with members during the process, said the new laws are unnecessary because there are existing powers in the Licensing Act to deal with alcohol-related crime and disorder.

The statement added that members were also opposed to additional red tape and that the vast majority of pubs already operate in a responsible manner.

They also raised concerns about discretionary powers being given to local authorities that are "already overstretched" and have "differing approaches" to licensing matters.

BII chief executive Neil Robertson said members were pleased that the government recently introduced measures to make it easier to apply for minor variations to licences and were serious about tackling binge-drinking and drunkenness.

But he added: "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".

Robertson had previously criticised the code in a letter to Home Secretary Alan Johnson in his role as Best Bar None chief executive.

A consultation on the plans, which includes cracking down on irresponsible promotions and forcing pubs to offer smaller drinks measures, ends later this month.