Lobbying continues on licensing reform

Industry chiefs have vowed to continue lobbying as details of the controversial plans for licensing are thrashed out.

The Government wants to get the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill on the statute books during this Parliament, giving the trade about six months to lobby for the best deal for pubs.

BII chief executive Neil Robertson said he's "worried" about what could happen with late-night levies, the details of which will be subject to secondary legislation.

"While we've all worked hard to get Best Bar None discounts and exemptions, there's still a lot that can go wrong with that."

Robertson said lobbying of the Home Office would continue, but "focus will move to local authorities"; he plans to set up meetings and write to every authority "offering advice".

"They will be given lots of responsibility with this new Bill and we need to help them exercise it responsibly."

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers head of communications Kate Nicholls said more than 20 companies have donated money for the "fighting fund" behind the operator-led campaign against the proposals.

"We are well on the way to hitting our target to fund and sustain a campaign until the Bill is adopted."

Funding is currently in place until March, she said. "The hard yards will be after that and we still hope that everyone will make a contribution — every little helps."

MPs will get to debate the proposals in Parliament when the Bill get its second reading on 13 December.

Meanwhile, the process of fending off threats of late-night levies has begun in Brighton. Nick Griffin, boss of Pleisure Pub Company, has proposed a licensee-led scheme called Inn-Credible to ensure venues adhere to best practice. He billed it an alternative to Best Bar None that won't use public money.