UK government launches alcohol laws review

The UK coalition government today launched a consultation on proposals to reform the Licensing Act and introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol below cost price.

The Home Office says the 24-hour drinking laws brought in under the previous Labour government have failed to bring about any benefits, instead fuelling an increase in anti-socal behaviour and other alcohol-related problems, according to home secretary Theresa May.

Other measures under consideration include making it easier for communities to influence licensing decisions in England and Wales, as well as imposing a late-night levy on pubs, bars and clubs to cover the cost of policing, taxi rank marshalling and street cleaning.

May said: “The benefits promised by the 24-hour drinking ‘café culture’ have failed to materialise and in its place we have seen an increase in the number of alcohol-related incidents and drink-fuelled crime and disorder."

She admitted that the majority of pubs and bars were "well-run businesses" but it was time to "rebalance" the system in favour of the local communities, "with tougher action taken to crack down on the small number of premises who cause problems".

Commenting on the announcement, Wine and Spirit Trade Association spokesman Gavin Partington said: “The WSTA supports a ban on selling alcohol below the level of duty plus VAT and we are keen to work with government on this issue to ensure any future legislation does not discriminate against any particular section of the drinks industry.

“We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on licensing laws but it’s worth remembering that local authorities and police already have substantial powers to refuse and remove licenses from problem premises.

“We hope any changes in this area focus on tackling problem drinkers and premises and don’t add unnecessary costs and burdens to the vast majority of responsible consumers and businesses.”

Since the introduction of 24 hour drinking in 2005, Accident & Emergency figures show that violent assaults have risen by 21,000. In addition, the estimated total cost of coping with the effects of drunkenness and offending, including policing and health care, was £13 billion.
 
The Association of Chief Police Officers and the Police Federation have pressed for a tougher stance on binge-drinking. Police chiefs claim that disorder related to alcohol is one of the biggest challenges facing forces. According to police figures, almost one million violent crimes are committed each year, and alcohol is linked with half.

Mark Hunter, president and CEO of Coors Brewers Europe and Asia, backed the consultation and said he would support the introduction of a minimum-price for alcoholic drinks – a subject which has polarised opinions throughout the industry.

“The consultation paper goes some way to formulating a means to confront some of the causes of alcohol harm,” he said. “However, we believe that an approach whereby we can build respect for alcohol is needed and the introduction of a minimum price would be a more efficient tool to reduce alcohol harm than a rise in duty.

“For us, ensuring beer is enjoyed responsibly and not bought solely on price, but on the basis of brand and taste, is an important way to reduce harm – artificially low prices do not build brands or respect for alcohol. It’s not good for our society or our business and we believe that it’s absurd to run an organisation and sell a product to anyone below cost.”

Alan Lodge, 28.07.2010