Pubs face alcohol legislation overkill
Pubs face tougher regulation on the way they sell alcohol after the release of new reports claiming they act irresponsibly.
Restricting happy hours, forcing pubs to offer wine in small measures, display unit information - as well as compulsory staff training - are among the proposals in a new Government consultation.
It follows the release of four reports claiming the trade continues to act irresponsibly and people's health is suffering.
The report from auditors KPMG, based on visits to 600 pubs and clubs, said the trade's own voluntary codes "are not being consistently adopted". It highlights bad practices ranging from apparent sales to under-18s and drunks, encouragement to drink faster and health and safety breaches.
Initial findings from a report by the University of Sheffield finds "clear UK and international evidence linking the sale of cheap alcohol to increased consumption, particularly amongst young people and those already drinking at higher risk levels".
Another report found 43% of drinks did not contain unit information. Meanwhile, new figures show a 42% rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions between 2002 and 2006.
At best the [voluntary] standards are being applied in a fragmented way, at worst in many places alcohol is being sold and marketed irresponsiblyTony McNulty, Home Office
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Some sections of the industry are sticking to the voluntary codes, others are blatantly ignoring them. This consultation will decide whether legally binding regulations for retailers and manufacturers to promote sensible drinking are the way forward.
"Around a quarter of the population drink to a harmful level. These people could be drinking themselves into an early grave - we need the drinks industry to give them the help and information needed to drink at a safer level."
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: "At best the [voluntary] standards are being applied in a fragmented way, at worst in many places alcohol is being sold and marketed irresponsibly.
"We now need a new set of standards and over the next few months we will work intensively with industry representatives and other interested groups to breathe new life into the system.
"We have also made it quite clear that if necessary we will introduce legislation to make the new standards mandatory."
Sledgehammer approach
Mark Hastings, British Beer and Pub Association director of communications, said: "The Government's approach should be to address the underlying culture and change attitudes, not just legislate and regulate. Legislation is a sledgehammer that will not crack the nut.
"There also needs to be the right balance between individual and corporate responsibility. We expect to be held to account for those things we can control, but companies cannot and should not be held to account for individual choices and behaviours that are beyond their ability to control.
"This is an industry that already bears the burden of one the heaviest tax and regulatory regimes in the world.
The inevitable impact of such measures is to force up costs and prices and push more pubs towards penuryMark Hastings, BBPA
"With the economy in a precarious position, business under pressure, pubs closing at record rates and people feeling the pinch, now is not the time to be announcing a raft of new costs, regulations and restrictions on either businesses or individuals. The inevitable impact of such measures is to force up costs and prices and push more pubs towards penury.
"This seems to be a classic example of the Government's tendency towards announcing new laws, rather than enforcing existing ones. There are plenty of laws and regulations to deal with irresponsible pubs and people. All agencies, including local government and the police should first focus on how to ensure these are enforced with greater rigour and consistency.
"We will look at the proposals and respond further when we have had a chance to consider them in detail."
Culture change
Wine and Spirit Trade Association chief executive Jeremy Beadles added: "The Government's latest strategy document is simply pointing the way to higher prices for all responsible drinkers without solving the problem of alcohol misuse.
"Culture change will take time but we should start by enforcing the numerous laws we have and build on the education and information programmes acknowledged as successful by Government.
"The drinks industry is demonstrating its commitment to change with programmes such as Challenge 21, Community Alcohol Partnerships and unit awareness campaigns.
"Let's tackle the real reasons why some people misuse alcohol; not make the rest of us pay the price."
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