Councils back pubs over mandatory code

The Local Government Authority has voiced its support for the pub industry against a mandatory alcohol retailing code.

The LGA said that the code was not needed and would "penalise the vast majority of responsible on trade retailers at a time when the industry can not afford this".

It believes the use of blanket legislation is against the Hampton principles for more proportionate, targeted, consistent, accountable and transparent, regulation, and also the partnership spirit of the Licensing Act 2003.

The LGA said the code would also cost councils, which are "already funding a £100m deficit in the cost of the current licensing regime and public sector funds are becoming ever tighter.

"Over 60% of authorities are planning staff redundancies in order to balance their budgets; new burdens must only be imposed where they will have a substantial positive impact."

It believes that only a very low number of local authorities would take up the opportunity to introduce blanket conditions.

And the LGA called for action on the off-trade deals: "Below cost selling is an issue focused almost solely on the off-trade. There is a close link between the consumption of alcohol purchased in off-licences and disorder and public nuisance occurring in or near on-licensed premises. Any further regulation of the on-trade must be balanced with measures to address off-sales; a focus on price is one such potential measure."

Overall it believes the Government's objectives could be best met through "empowering local elected councillors and licensing authorities to lead local action in partnership with other agencies".

It said it had helped legislators lay ammendments to the Policing and Crime Bill to achieve this.