Pubs to foot bill for ADZs

All licensees in the government's planned alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) will be forced to pay towards extra policing and street cleaning, it was confirmed in the House of Commons this week.

During a debate over the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, home office minister Hazel Blears refused to state that responsible pubs operating in ADZs would not be charged a fee under government proposals.

Ms Blears told MPs: "As far as we can, we shall ensure that premises that cause the greatest problem, pose the highest risk and need the most intensive enforcement, pay the highest costs.

"We want to ensure that there is a degree of targeting, so that people who cause the most harm face the most charges. However, we want collective action, because action by good operators can often influence those who do not operate to the highest standard."

But the main intention of the policy, Ms Blears said, was to get licensed premises in an area where there is serious disorder to take some "collective responsibility", and agree an action plan with a local authority before an ADZ is ever designated.

The fee, which has been touted at around £100, would not be used to fund existing police and street cleaning but additional measures, including test purchasing.

The pub trade has complained since the measure was first suggested in January that ADZs will penalise responsible operators for the actions of rogue venues.

The British Beer & Pub Association is particularly concerned about who will pay the levy, where this money will be spent, how much it will be and what in particular will trigger an ADZ.

BBPA spokesman Neil Williams said: "We still do not know the answers to some fundamental questions."