Government proposes 'drinking licence' for pub customers
As part of a move to cut binge-drinking the government is proposing that pub customers carry a card licensing them to drink outside their own homes.
The Publican has seen draft documents apparently drawn up by pubs minister John Healey in which he outlined proposals to ensure anyone over the age of 18 entering a pub carries the credit card-sized 'drinking licence'.
Sources within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that such a customer licensing proposal had been discussed with a view to tackling the UK's binge-drinking culture.
"We are looking at several ways to curb irresponsible drinking, and this is just one of the options on the table.
"If everyone who wants to drink in a pub carries a licence of the sort we are considering, it will make the job of policing trouble-spots that much easier," the source said.
If implemented, the cost of the scheme could run to 10s of millions of pounds. It is not clear if pubs would be expected to pick up some or all of the tab through a licensing levy.
Some Middle Eastern countries already require non-Muslims - mainly ex-pat workers from the UK and other countries - to carry a similar document, which also regulates the amount of alcohol a person can buy based on their monthly salary.
Pub operators gave a mixed reaction to the proposal.
Mark Daniels, licensee of the Tharp Arms in Chippenham, Cambridgeshire, said the introduction of personal licences for drinkers was an excellent idea.
"If it works like a driving licence, with accrued points ultimately resulting in a ban from drinking for a defined period of time, it could significantly remove the onus from landlords of having to police drunks."
But Richard Nesip, who runs the King & Anchor in Lewisham, South London, condemned any suggestion that his punters be required to show a licence before he could serve them.
"This is yet more complete nonsense from the government. People can prove well enough they are capable of being served in a pub without this. It will only serve to drive yet more sane people from our trade," he said.
