Staff parties and wedding drinks receptions could fall foul of the upcoming mandatory alcohol retailing code, a legal expert has warned.
Speaking at a London seminar, Poppleston Allen partner Lisa Sharkey pointed to the condition banning unlimited or unspecified quantities of alcohol being sold for a fixed or discounted price.
She said this could include staff Christmas parties where there's a free bar for staff and the company foots the bill.
"You could find you are offending the provision if it's envisaged it will cause problems."
When asked if wedding parties could also be included, Sharkey added: "Anything is possible because [it applies to] anything where there's a significant risk."
The condition, due to be enacted on 6 April, would not apply if there's a table meal as well.
However, this in unlikely to relevant for wedding drinks receptions, for example.
Sharkey warned that having staff or other customers help lift up a 'yard of ale' glass could contravene the ban on alcohol being dispensed directly into the mouth.
However, there would be an exemption if the drinker had a disability that meant they needed help.
Earlier, fellow Poppleston Allen partner Clare Eames warned that residents' representations about pub licences are happening with "alarming frequency" — because they are "no longer daunted" by the process.
This has lead to a 50% rise in licence reviews handled by Poppleston Allen over the past 12 months, she said.
Encouraging complaints
Eames pointed the finger at councillors who encourage complaints "as a platform to grow their political careers".
For example, one Islington councillor included a picture of herself on her on-line blog standing outside a bar that had its hours knocked back. "I think she was quite pleased with herself, that councillor. I don't think that's the right approach."
Eames also highlighted Camden, whose new licensing policy says the council should consider having a licensing solicitor available in the Citizens' Advice Bureau "to assist residents".
The solicitor warned: "If it's happening in Camden, you can bet it's happening elsewhere."
She said "more and more" solicitors are being retained by residents, any many residents are going straight to barristers to prepare action against licences.
"It's a changing situation now. Residents are more engaged in the licensing process. They are no longer daunted."
The event, entitled Interested Parties, Representations and Areas of Regeneration, was organised by Poppleston Allen