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