Trade told to tackle binge-drinking

The government has sent a clear signal to the trade that pubs must take action to tackle problem drinking.

Home secretary David Blunkett lost his battle to delay the Licensing Act in order to include increased police powers to crack down on pubs which contribute to alcohol-fuelled crime.

However, the newly-published guidance to the act gives local authorities scope to attach conditions to individual licences aimed at tackling "irresponsible" drinks promotions.

The guidance encourages pub operators to observe the voluntary guidelines for promotions included in the British Beer & Pub Association's code of conduct for operators and also encourages greater take-up of Pubwatch schemes.

But if voluntary controls fail, culture secretary Tessa Jowell warned: "The police and other responsible authorities should make full use of existing and new powers under the act, proactively tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder and badly-run premises."

Pubs are also still waiting to learn how much local authorities will be allowed to charge for issuing licences under the new regime. The fee structure has not been published with the guidance but is expected to be included with the information given to Parliament.

Once Parliament has approved the guidance, councils will have six months to draw up local licensing policies.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "We are relieved that the process is finally beginning, although we are still waiting for some of the detail.

"We also note that some of the language used is tougher than in previous drafts, which reflects the involvement of the Home Office."

The probable timetable​

• Early May 2004:​ Parliament approves guidance and local authority fee structure
• May to November 2004:​ Local authorities prepare and publish local licensing policies
• November 2004:​ First appointed day for pubs to apply for new licences, start of the nine-month transitional period
• August 2005:​ Licensing Act fully implemented.

BII changes ​

The British Institute of Innkeeping has unveiled the qualifications designed to support the pub industry under the new licensing regime.

The National Certificate for Licensees will be replaced by the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders as the basic qualification that someone will need to run a pub. A new National Certificate in Licensed Retail will cover operating plans and business building as well as the legislation publicans will need to know.

Related articles:​

Guidance to Licensing Act published (23 March 2004)

Police raise fears over 24 hour drinking (22 March 2004)

Government's alcohol strategy spells out pub future (18 March 2004)

Government's challenge to drinks firms (18 March 2004)

Portman Group issues code on promotions (16 March 2004)

Partnership approach to tackle problem drinking (15 March 2004)