Licensees accused of ignoring code of practice

Licensees are ignoring the industry's voluntary code of practice because there are no "meaningful" penalties for those found flouting it, a report by Alcohol Concern claims.

The report - Unequal Partners - criticises "the multi-layered web of laws, voluntary codes and guidelines" that now surround the licensed trade.

It also claims there is a £200m funding shortfall for councils having to deal with "problem premises". The report blames the new capped licensing fees brought about by the Licensing Act.

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "Self-regulation has clearly failed and we desperately need mandatory codes and an industry watchdog to stamp out the poor practice and the complacency that is characteristic of many of these venues.

"Only these measures can safeguard the public and cut down the alcohol-related violence that makes life a misery for so many."

Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians and chairman of the Alcohol Heath Alliance said: "This report shows that the time has come for the Government to step in to effectively regulate an industry whose own efforts to tackle irresponsible alcohol sales have failed. Too many bars and clubs continue to put profit before their customers' health."

However late night operator trade group Noctis has questioned the report. Chairman Jon Collins said: "Alcohol Concern seems to be unaware of a number of highly-publicised police and Home Office initiatives over recent years which have tackled the shortcomings of targeted problem premises.

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

And executive director Paul Smith said: "The report also calls for a national watchdog for the alcohol industry at a time when the sector is more scrutinised and tested than ever before.

"Therefore to suggest even more excessive, costly burdens on our industry as well as on a whole range of regulatory stakeholders shows that Alcohol Concern is not actually in touch with the realities or the practicalities of the situation."

The report coincides with the release today of a damning Home Office-commissioned report by KPMG which suggests alcohol retailers are regularly guilty of "irresponsible and harmful practices" such as underage selling and price promotions.