Government: help us with Responsibility Deal

The Government wants to know what incentives it can offer licensees to get involved with its Responsibility Deal on food and alcohol.

Under the Responsibility Deal, pubs are being asked to make a series of commitments including providing alcohol unit information at point of sale, support bodies such as Best Bar None and Pubwatch, implement a Challenge-21 policy and introduce calorie information on menus.

While managed groups have signed up, the Government is believed to be concerned about how the deal will filter through to freehouses and tenants.

It held a meeting with BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) chief executive Neil Robertson, pictured, last week and is seeking feedback from pubs. "There were a few ideas batted around but they want to know what licensees might like in return for adhering to the Responsibility Deal," said Robertson.

He warned that any ideas put forward needed to be realistic.

"We are not going to get a zero duty rate but there may be ways of easing red tape and regulation that would be mutually beneficial.

"This could be the start of a good debate with Government over what licensees want. If you have any ideas please email me."

Incentives​

Ian Rigg, of the Taps in Lytham, Lancashire, called for a loosening of red tape on licensing. "This new postcode lottery for licence fees is worrying — licensees don't know what they're going to pay," he said.

Rigg also said help with funding the changes for the Responsibility Deal and providing necessary information would be appreciated.

Phil Jones, of the Britannia Inn in Queniborough, Leicestershire, said there would have to be "convincing incentives" for him to take part. He also suggested people do not want to know calorie information when trying to enjoy a meal out.

John Ellis, of the Crown Inn, Oakengates, Shropshire, added: "The Government would do better to address the issue of over-consumption of alcohol from supermarkets."

If you have an idea, email arvye@ovv.bet​.