Break the alcohol code and face licence review

Break a new mandatory condition and risk having your licence reviewed - that's the warning from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Chief Constable Brian Moore, who speaks for ACPO on public protection issues, was responding to the first set of mandatory conditions going live this week.

These ban "irresponsible" drinks deals and serving alcohol directly into the month, and also require pubs to hand out free tap water to customers where reasonable.

Moore welcomed the new code and said: "A simple consideration by the licensee running a promotion should provide the answer as to whether it is an acceptable event or not, but where doubt remains the licensing authority or the police may be contacted.

"We expect that the trade will, itself, quickly identify and spread good practice around what is and is not acceptable.

"Indeed, these conditions have been set following extensive consultation throughout the drinks industry.

"Breach of the mandatory licensing conditions is a criminal offence attracting a fine of up to £20,000, six months imprisonment or both.

"How police and licensing authorities seek to enforce these new conditions is a matter for local consideration and will no doubt be in proportion to the problems caused as a result of excessive or irresponsible consumption. ACPO is pleased that this gives police and licensing authorities additional power to deal with the worst offenders where necessary.

"Breaches of the mandatory conditions must be taken seriously if we are to improve standards and behaviour associated with excessive consumption of alcohol. In the majority of cases we would anticipate that a review of the premises on which breaches are occurring will also take place."