BBPA unveils red tape concerns
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has unveiled its major concerns for industry over red tape.
The Red Tape Challenge website will allow licensees to submit their views on regulations that affect the food, drink and hospitality sector, between 6 and 2 June
Neil Williams, spokesman for the BBPA, said: "While some regulation has a purpose, a lot doesn't. We have campaigned for the end of alcohol disorder zones and the requirement for triennial licensing reviews, and this is now happening, so rolling back nonsensical rules can be done.
"We'd like to see the scrapping of the Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007. The smoking ban is well established so these signs are pointless, as is the fines regime that goes with it.
"On live music, let's scrap the regulations on this, giving small businesses an exemption from licensing requirements for live entertainment for all events attracting an audience of fewer than 200. We also want to make simpler the logging of national insurance contributions, which places a burden on pubs and creates a barrier to job creation."
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers is also calling on the Government to scrap some of the unnecessary regulation surrounding the licensing regime, such as the requirement to photocopy licences for the police when electronic versions would be sufficient.
It has also called for an end to some of the red tape surrounding employment law and health & safety.
Licensees can have their say on red tape at the Red Tape Challenge website between 6 and 2 June.
