Trade chiefs hit back at 'happy hours' documentary

Trade chiefs have labelled suggestions that blanket licence reviews and minimum pricing could be introduced across the country - following the example of Oldham - as "fanciful"

A Panorama documentary last night The Truth About Happy Hours ​ implied that Oldham is operating a minimum pricing scheme with a 75p unit price and that pubs have to operate under draconian conditions.

The programme followed moves by Oldham to introduce a blanket licence review of the town centre's 22 venues and introduce post office style queuing systems at pubs staffed by extra security.

However the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and late-night operator trade group Noctis, who have both been working with Oldham after it revealed its controversial plans to tackle alcohol related disorder, have hit back.

Lee Le Clercq, BBPA regional secretary for the North, said: "Customers interviewed made it perfectly clear they would not frequent venues which operated post office style queues and bar operators could not afford to employ two regular police officers and six extra doorstaff which viewers were told were required to supervise the queue.

"There have been some negotiations between venues and the council and agreements, reasonable for both parties, have been achieved. This is partnership working in action."

He added suggestions that pubs were being forced to sell alcohol at a minimum of 75p per unit were wide of the mark.

"The programme implied that Oldham is now operating a minimum pricing scheme. It is not because it knows it has no power to do so," he said.

But the council is looking at other ways of tackling "unacceptable levels of disorder" such as running a Best Bar None scheme, Le Clercq said.

"There is work to be done in Oldham to make a night out a safer and more enjoyable experience but to suggest, as Panorama did, that minimum pricing together with harsh blanket conditions is the panacea which should be mirrored across the land, is simply fanciful.

"Other towns and cities should not be misled by this programme and a word with Oldham's licensing officers will reveal a more accurate picture."

Writing exclusively for The Publican​ Paul Smith, executive director at Noctis, said the key to addressing issues of disorder is an open dialogue between all parties. However he added he was concerned the programme could influence other councils.

"The next major worry for the trade is that other councils through the country suddenly believe that the solution to all their disorder issues is post office queues and wall-to-wall security staff."

Click on the link on the right to read Paul Smith's column.