BBPA voices licensing concerns to Home Office
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) held a meeting with Home Office officials yesterday to voice concerns over the proposed changes to the Licensing Act.
The BBPA is also backing the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers' (ALMR) call for grass roots lobbying of MPs.
The meeting of key stakeholders follows a letter sent to the Government by the BBPA.
"There is a broad consensus on the areas of concern about the current proposals," said chief executive Brigid Simmonds.
"These concerns are shared, not only across the industry, but amongst other key groups such as lawyers, local authorities, the magistrates and the health community.
"The momentum behind taking our message to Government, MPs and other key stakeholders is building, but there is more that must be done.
She added: "Following on from the discussions we have had so far, we have a number of key meetings lined up for the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.
"The next critical phase will be providing companies and licensees with the lobby materials they need to take a coordinated and concerted message to all MPs as they return to Westminster following the conference season."
Earlier this week, ALMR chairman Tim Sykes called for unity to take on the Government's proposals from the bottom up.
He stressed the campaign "needs a human face and needs to be operator not trade body lead".
Sykes said: "That is not to downplay the efforts of the trade bodies, but their role is very different — technical and forensic.
"What is needed is an impassioned defence of our business interests. Only we as operators can deliver that and spark political and public interest in our concerns.
"So the time for goodwill and warm words is over. The time for action is now."
