Government reform bill met with caution

The UK government’s introduction of its Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill has been met with mixed feelings by trade bodies, as certain changes are welcomed while the implications of others remain questionable.

The bill, which includes increased empowerment to local people and an overhaul of the Licensing Act, was met with caution by Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

He said: “We welcome the government’s positive response to some of the concerns we’ve expressed during consultation about proposed changes to the licensing regime.”

However, he added: "We remain concerned about the implications of the proposed late night levy, not least the possibility that it may be seen by some local authorities as a way of simply raising revenue.

It is vital that it is applied only to premises where there is clear evidence of a problem and does not impact responsible businesses which happen to be in the vicinity.”

"We hope government will encourage police and local authorities to adopt a common sense and partnership approach when using their substantial powers to tackle problem drinking and licensing issues. Community Alcohol Partnerships, built on a co-operative approach by local businesses and enforcement agencies, are delivering positive results."

Meanwhile, chief executive of Drinkaware, Chris Sorek, said: “Tackling the UK binge drinking problem will require a range of measures and giving tougher penalties for underage alcohol sales is an important part of the solution.

“The financial, social, physical and emotional impact of alcohol misuse is felt by everyone in society so it makes sense to empower local community partners by involving them in licensing decisions,” he added.

The bill includes some of the following provisions:

•    Making the police service more accountable to local people by replacing police authorities with directly elected police and crime commissioners to be introduced from May 2012.

•    An overhaul of the Licensing Act to give more powers to local authorities and police to tackle any premises that are causing problems, doubling the maximum fine for persistent underage sales and permitting local authorities to charge more for late-night licences to contribute towards the cost of policing the late-night economy.

The bill has now started its passage through parliament following its introduction to the House of Commons last week, on 30 November.

Jane Parkinson, 06.12.2010