Mandatory nonsense? What new laws mean for licensees

New law came into force this month meaning pubs now have to offer smaller measures of drinks.

As well as ensuring pubs offer 125ml of wine and either a 25ml or 35ml short measure licensees the mandatory code also states that pubs must have an age verification policy in place.

The second stage of the code follows part one in April which banned certain alcohol promotions and also made it law for pubs to provide free tap water.

However, the new laws could eventually be scrapped by the coalition government. We spoke to licensees to find out how the law has affected their businesses.

Michael Kheng runs Lincolnshire based pub company the Kurnia Group.

How did you find out about the new mandatory conditions?​

As a licensing consultant I have been aware of the conditions for some time. That said the licensing authorities that cover the areas where our bars are located have been proactive in making the trade aware of the conditions coming in via newsletters and in person at Pubwatch meetings.

Have you invested in new equipment such as glassware for this?​

No. We had no need to do so.

Have you had to introduce a new age-verification policy?​

No. Since the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 we have used an age verification policy which has been agreed with Lincolnshire Police.

Since the first part of the code was introduced in April have you changed you promotions?​

Again no as we do not believe in discounted promotions and have never run them so this has not affected our bars.

Has the mandatory code made any difference and should it be scrapped?​

They mainly only effect the on trade and think they should be scrapped. The recently issued guidance on an age verification policy is really stating what the Act says. With measures of wine I simply cannot understand why it is permissible to sell a single serve bottle of wine that contains 187.5ml yet if you want to sell wine by the glass it must be available as a 125ml measure.

Debbie Richards is the freeholder at the Borough in Cardiff.

How did you find out about the new mandatory conditions?​

To be honest I was not aware that the laws were coming in at the start of the month.

Have you invested in new equipment such as glassware for this?​

We only do a single serve at 187ml so we would not have to invest. Most of our glassware is also provided by Coors.

Have you had to introduce a new age-verification policy?​

We recently received a letter from the police informing us we had successfully passed a test purchase, which was very satisfying. If someone looks 21 we always ask we ID anyway and if they don't have any we don't serve. We accept passports, driving licences and PASS cards.

Since the first part of the code was introduced in April have you changed you promotions?​

We don't really do promotions anyway and most of our stuff is set price. We have an older clientele and promotions are not really appropriate for us.

Has the mandatory code made any difference and should it be scrapped?​

This isn't going to make much difference to us. We comply with all legislation because the last thing I would want here is the police coming.

Joe Khalil is lessee of the Enterprise Inns-owned pub, the Alexandra, in Southampton

How did you find out about the new mandatory conditions?​

We were made aware mainly by reading about it in The Publican.​ We did also get a sheet from the local council explaining it.

Have you invested in new equipment such as glassware for this?​

We have bought two 125ml measures for staff to use comply. The other investment has been in training to make sure everyone understands the new regulations. We are also making customers aware.

Have you had to introduce a new age-verification policy?​

We have always run a Challenge 25 policy since I have been here. I believe it has to be 25 because at 21 there is still room for error.

Since the first part of the code was introduced in April have you changed you promotions?​

We are not a pub that runs promotions so this has made not impacted on us at all.

Has the mandatory code made any difference and should it be scrapped?​

I don't think there is enough legislation and would like to see a minimum price introduced. We sell alcohol responsibly and do not run cheap promotions but some places in Southampton do and it can give the trade a bad name. I also believe supermarkets need to come up to standard.