Mandatory alcohol code a step closer

Stringent mandatory conditions on alcohol retailing moved a step closer yesterday as the Policing and Crime Bill received Royal Assent.

The Act gives Parliament the power to introduce the controversial mandatory code, which would force pubs to follow nine mandatory conditions including curbs on drinks promotions and smaller drinks servings.

It could cost the trade £58m to implement with on-going annual costs of £38m. Business Secretary Peter Mandelson had called for the code to be delayed in order to help businesses struggling during the recession but the Home Office has stated its belief that there is a "clear case" for the code to be introduced sooner rather than later.

The specific detail of the code has yet to be decided upon following a consultation process and the trade is in the dark over when it will be likely to see the light of day.

"We are considering the results of the consultation and will be reviewing the content of the code with ministers," a Home Office spokesman said. "There is no date set for it to be finalised."

The Act also gives local authorities greater powers to control the opening and regulation of lap-dancing clubs, strengthens police powers to deal with young people drinking in public and lowers the number of times a premises can sell alcohol to young people before incurring a penalty.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The public are at the heart of everything we do and they are our best weapon in fighting crime. The Policing and Crime Act gives police and local authorities new powers to tackle the issues of most concern to communities, like gang violence, alcohol-related crime and disorder, prostitution and lap-dancing clubs."