Nine pub and hospitality trade bodies have issued a stern warning to the new Government about the damaging impact of radical plans to overhaul licensing.
It comes in a joint submission to the Home Office for its much-criticised consultation on licensing reform, which has been released today by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
The submission includes opinion from licensing legal expert Gerald Gouriet QC. He queries the legality of the proposed changes, which include the late-night levy and new powers for authorities and residents to take action against licences.
The joint submission was made by the BBPA, BII, the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Noctis, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the British Hospitality Association, Business in Sport & Leisure, the Tourism Alliance and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "This submission brings together a coalition across the hospitality sector and a unified voice on the critical issues that concern the industry about the Government's current proposals.
"In addition, we considered it vital to invest in a legal opinion from an eminent QC to provide an authoritative view on the fundamental legal issues that arise from these proposals.
"This joint submission, backed by a solid legal opinion, provides a firm foundation for taking forward our case with Government, MPs and other key stakeholders."
Nick Bish, ALMR chief executive said: "These proposals represent an unprecedented threat to responsible businesses.
"We are all agreed collectively that they are unnecessary, unjust and unaffordable and the joint submission puts this case forensically and forcefully.
"We just hope ministers are listening and prepared to act to prevent severe unintended consequences for our industry"
It follows news that support is growing for the ALMR's pub operator-led "direct action" campaign to urge companies to lobby against the planned changes.
As the Morning Advertiser revealed earlier this week, 45 companies have so far backed that campaign and have signed a letter to seven key Cabinet ministers protesting about the planned changes.