Fury over irresponsible retailing claim

Trade groups have angrily dismissed accusations that pub companies and licensees are ignoring guidelines on responsible drinks retailing.

A report by Alcohol Concern which claims the trade is riding roughshod over voluntary codes was labelled "ill informed" by Noctis, the body representing late night clubs and bars.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) also criticised the report and issued a vigorous defence of the trade's record.

Alcohol Concern claims in its report that licensees ignore the principles set out in the codes as it suits them because there are no meaningful sanctions for those found in breach.

It adds that only 0.5% of licensed premises were issued with review proceedings for under age selling after test purchasing operations and 43% of managed pubs had no disciplinary procedures for staff breaking under age sales laws.

A spot survey carried out by Alcochol Concern in Nottingham city centre found three out of six bars encouraging heavy drinking through "happy hour" deals despite claims from the industry they had been banned.

It calls for a mandatory code and an industry watchdog to stamp out poor practice which it claims is a characteristic of many licensed trade venues.

Noctis chairman Jon Collins and executive director Paul Smith said they were "bewildered" by the report.

Collins said Alcohol Concern appeared unaware of the four key objectives of the Licensing Act covering prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuiscance and protection of children from harm.

"Anyone who knows about this industry knows the vast majority of premises in this country are well run," Collins added.

BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings added:"To recommend a root and branch change to Britain's regulatory regime on the basis of a night out in a few bars is not very prudent or credible.

"The report has overlooked important hard evidence, particularly on the issue of under age sales," he said.

"People will be puzzled that at a time of falling drinking and escalating economic woes Alcohol Concern recommends burdening Britain with more quangos, bureaucrats and red tape."

"Unequal Partners : A report into the limitations of the alcohol regulatory regime" was published by Alcohol Concern on 20 July.