Mandatory code faces delays

New predictions have been made that implementation of the mandatory alcohol retailing code could be delayed.

It came after a committee of Lords chose not to approve the new powers.

The Crime and Security Bill, which includes the provision of the code, was scheduled to be discussed by the Lords committee this week. But it was adjourned when an opposition member wanted more time to discuss the details of the Bill.

A date for the Bill to be further debated has not yet been scheduled. But given the pre-election "purdah" period, when Government activity is curtailed, is fast-approaching, the delay could be lengthy.

Kate Nicholls, spokeswoman for the Association for Licensed Multiple Retailers, welcomed the news that the Bill would face greater scrutiny.

She said: "It is entirely right that the Lords should consider this bill carefully, especially given it will add considerable cost burdens to pubs. They need to make sure it is appropriate to tackle binge drinking.

"We lobbied quite hard on this bill, and argued that it has a fundamental flaw in that it fails to tackle the off-trade.

"If this delays the implementation of the legislation then so be it. It's better to have a well-drafted law than one which has been badly drafted and hastily rushed through, as we in the pub trade know only too well."

She also said it was possible that the "relatively uncontroversial" parts of the code set to be implemented on 6 April could still come in. These ban all-inclusive deals and the "dentist's chair", and force pubs to offer free tap water.

However, she criticised the parts of the code scheduled to come in in October, particularly that referring to promotional material which glamorises anti-social behaviour or drunkenness. She said it did not deal with off-trade promotions and was "quite woolly in how it's been drafted".

Nicholls added: "It is good to have timely and careful consideration so we don't have any unforseen consequences."