Anti-ADZ fight steps up

ADZs send wrong message, says Noctis

Trade groups are upping their campaign to urge councils and police to shun alcohol disorder zones (ADZs).

Noctis, which represents late-night operators, has

written to all councils highlighting six key reasons why they should not consider implementing an ADZ.

The controversial policy — now approved by MPs — will see pubs forced to pay a

levy for the cost of alcohol-related disorder.

Last week the MA reported on a worrying survey, showing one in three councils is considering an ADZ.

Noctis executive director Paul Smith said: "We especially want to highlight to councils who derive money from tourism that not only will having an ADZ have a serious effect on whether people chose to come, it will also serve as a handy marketing tool for all of those councils which border the ADZ location, telling people to visit them instead.

"At a time of economic downturn we need to be encouraging more people into our towns and cities, not fewer."

Meanwhile, British Beer & Pub Association northern secretary Lee Le Clercq attacked ADZs in front of an audience of council, police and licensees at Carlisle's Best Bar None Awards.

He said: "The introduction of an ADZ will signal utter failure by the local authority and the police — a capitulation in favour of rogue elements and a betrayal of responsible businesses and law abiding society.

"It will badly let down the backbone of this industry — the tens of thousands of

honest and hard-working licensees."

Noctis's six reasons for shunning ADZs

n ADZs will not enhance the reputation of your locality

n ADZs are highly bureaucratic and open to legal challenge

n ADZs will be a disincentive to all good late-night operators

n Problem premises should be tackled individually

n Alcohol-related disorder can come from the off-trade

n The ADZ "principal-use" test exempts the biggest supermarkets