The Government could force all bar staff to go through official training qualifications, costing the industry up to £151m in the first year.
Under the Policing and Crime Bill, the Secretary of State can set nine conditions on all premises and club licences — and supporting documentation suggests one such condition could be compulsory training.
The Government estimates that the cost of training in the first year could be between £37.7m and £151m.
In subsequent years, with a 50% turnover in staff, the cost is estimated at between £19m and £76m a year.
"Surely it's hardly the right time to impose such an additional burden on the licensed trade," said Jeremy Allen of Popplesten Allen.
"It is frightening that you could have acquired premises and be satisfied as to the conditions attached to the licence.
"Suddenly, following the implementation of this Act, you could be facing new conditions on your licence. What's more, there doesn't appear to be any right of appeal against any of the conditions imposed."
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