ALMR: review is top down stick bashing of pubs
One trade group has blasted the proposed licensing changes as top down stick bashing of pubs.
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) let fly with both barrels this morning as Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled her plans for an overhaul of the licensing regime.
"Our overall reaction is one of disappointment," said ALMR head of communications Kate Nicholls. "A lot of this is top-down big stick bashing pubs again."
She described the overall approach and language used as "worrying" and said she had hoped for a more "creative" approach from Government.
"They are looking at the trade through the lens of high-street venues and law and disorder problems. This distorts the broader range of of rural and community pubs out there.
"Politicians must get over this and learn that pubs are not part of law and order problems."
She also said it seemed like there would be "lots of significant and substantial burdens" for pubs including increased costs and fees.
She said that the ALMR would continue to lobby Government over toughening its stance on supermarket alcohol retailing. She added that there would continue to be problems on the high street until the issues of "pocket money pricing" in supermarkets were tackled.
She added: "The Licensing Act has always been a balancing act — if we're to accept movement to assess the impact of public health then there has to be a freeing up elsewhere. "
Police support
Meanwhile, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) — who had initially pushed for staggered closing times before enacting a U-turn — said it welcomed the proposals.
"ACPO has expressed concerns in the past about 24 hour licensing and the extra demands it has placed on policing," said ACPO lead on alcohol licensing chief constable Jon Stoddart.
"Nationally there are over 1 million alcohol fuelled violent attacks every year and drinking is a key factor in many domestic-related assaults. It has a major impact on people's lives, local communities and, of course, police resources.
"With restricted licensing hours we expect policing to be more predictable and manageable. It should also encourage people to drink more responsibly and within sensible limits."
