GMB calls for guidelines over Brulines

09-Feb-2012 - Last updated on 12-Mar-2017 at 03:17 GMT

GMB, the union, has called on the Department for Business, Innovation And Skills (BIS) to issue guidance to local trading standards officers concerning Brulines, the beer-flow monitoring equipment.

GMB has written to the department asking for guidelines to be issued to local trading standards officers detailing how to apply weights-and-measures legislation to Brulines equipment when this is used to fine pub tenants.

The call has come after ex-BIS minister Ed Davey confirmed to the BIS committee that Brulines is covered by the Weights & Measures Act if used to fine licensees for buying outside the tie. Davey told the committee: “I am told now, in general, that when it is used, not just to monitor, but to actually go ahead and fine someone, the act of the fine, in general, means it is in use for trade.”

Paul Maloney, GMB national officer for pub tenants, said: “Mr Davey’s statement has opened a can of worms for pubcos.

“This places the local trading standards officers in a very difficult position as they are scared to death of being the one to bring down this house of cards. Consequently they are simply ignoring the issue by asking for more guidance on this matter, which the minister is now reluctant to give.”

A BIS spokesperson said: “It is for local authority trading standards to consider whether offences have been committed and this will ultimately be a matter for the Courts to decide.”