BBPA opposes ADZ discounts

Best Bar None-accredited pubs in alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) should not be given a discount, a trade group has argued.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has hit out at the idea proposed in the draft regulations on ADZs, laid before Parliament last month.

The regulations stated that pubs which are part of Best Bar None or other "similar recognised accreditation schemes" could be granted a discount of up to 100 per cent.

But Martin Rawlings, the BBPA's director of pub & leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association said he disagreed with Best Bar None being used for this purpose.

"We do not regard Best Bar None as an accreditation scheme, it's just a tick in the box for being good," he said. "We have an accreditation scheme and it's called a licence."

Premises that are in a designated ADZ face having to pay a fee for extra policing.

The BBPA has also argued that if problems relate to an area, instead of individual businesses, then there is no basis for a discount.

It has also raised concern that legal challenges could be mounted by businesses excluded from a discount or claim it is not enough.

Business Improvement Districts are regarded as a fairer alternative to ADZs by many in the trade, including the BBPA.

Rawlings also expressed doubt about whether ADZs would be enforceable by next month, after it emerged that the regulations had been withdrawn.

A Home Office spokesman confirmed that changes were made being made to the regulations, but added: "We expect the regulations to come into force in January."

Supermarkets and corner shops could also avoid having to pay for an ADZ because the regulations exclude premises where alcohol is "not the main reason, or one of the main reasons why individuals enter or remain on the premises".