Summit meeting on problem retailers

Police, local authorities and government ministers have met today to discuss making better use of powers designed to clamp down on people selling alcohol irresponsibly.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker and licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe called the meeting with senior police and local authority representatives to explore how existing powers can be used more effectively to control problem premises.

The new yellow and red card system, unveiled at Monday's launch of the government's new plan to tackle youth drinking, was a key topic for discussion. Under the new scheme a yellow card will put a problem premises on immediate probation - while a red card will mean the immediate loss of the licence.

Coaker said: "I am grateful for the ongoing support of our police and local authority partners in clamping down on the minority of problem premises.

"Today's meeting is about sharing evidence of what works well already, alongside understanding how new powers will help us to go even further."

Sutcliffe added: "Most licensees take their responsibilities seriously, but we need to be sure that those who don't are quickly dealt with. There is a range of powers available that are being used effectively in many areas, but there is not a consistent picture across the country.

"We want to hear from police and local authorities about what has worked well in their area, and what problems prevent existing powers and resources being targeted effectively."

Ministers also encouraged police and trading standards officers to make full use of local knowledge to identify and target premises that are known to be selling alcohol to children or are a source of disorder, and make full use of the powers in the Licensing Act to deal with them.