Trade groups unite over licensing 'overhaul' threat

All the major trade groups have united over a joint submission to government which sets out the industry's response to a planned "overhaul" of the licensing regime.

In what is being seen as "pre-consultation consultation", the coalition has asked for the industry's initial thoughts on proposals to tackle alcohol-related problems.

A series of meetings between government officials and trade bodies and companies have also taken place, to discuss the plans.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is heading up the response, backed by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the BII, the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Noctis, Business in Sport and Leisure and the British Hospitality Association.

As part of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, the government plans to give councils power to charge extra for late-night licence, give police stronger powers to strip venues of their licences and ban below-cost sales in the off-trade.

But among the arguments put forward in the submission is there are already sufficient sanctions available to the authorities.

Speaking to The Publican​, Brigid Simmonds, the BBPA's chief executive, admitted there are problems around alcohol, but added: "There are plenty of powers already within the Licensing Act."

One area of particular concern is the plan around a fee for "late-night" licences.

"First of all we already have alcohol disorder zones," said Simmonds. "We also think that if an area already has a BID (Business Improvement District), it should be exempt from a late-night levy."

Simmonds also pointed out that only 12 per cent of on-trade venues currently operate after midnight.

The trade has also pledged its support for a ban on below-cost sales. But Simmonds added: "What we are making clear is the ban should not just be duty and tax, otherwise that won't make much difference."

And on plans to permanently close venues that sell to underage customers, the groups are suggesting outlets are temporarily closed and forced to offer more training to staff.

Paul Smith, executive director of late-night operator trade group Noctis, said there BIDs were a "very, very useful alternative" to a late-night levy. "You get policing in there which can improve the late-night economy, where officers speak to people early in the evening," he said.

"Sometimes riot vans turning up can be a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The Publican​ understands the joint submission is currently being finalised and is expected to be submitted this week.