Home Secretary announces new mandatory code for alcohol
retailers
The Home Secretary has announced details of a new mandatory
code, which will apply to all alcohol retailers. The code follows a
lengthy consultation process and has been significantly watered
down from the initial proposals.
From 6 April 2010 alcohol retailers will be banned from
operating drinks promotions such as 'all you can drink for £10' or
'free drinks for women under 25'. The Government argues that such
promotions are socially irresponsible and encourage 'binge
drinking'. Under the proposals, licensees caught operating such
promotions will face fines of up to £20,000 or up to six months in
prison.
From the same date, alcohol retailers will also be banned from
operating "dentists' chairs", where alcohol is poured directly into
the mouth of the customer; or speed drinking competitions and will
also have to provide free tap water to customers.
From 1 October 2010 all those who sell alcohol will be required
to have an age verification policy and ask for the identity of
anyone who looks under the age of 18. In practice of course, such a
measure is routinely implemented already with Challenge 21 or 25
policies. On trade premises will also have to offer beers, wines
and spirits in smaller measures such as 125ml glasses from 1
October.
Alcohol retailers should also be aware that from 29 January 2010
licensing officers will be empowered to initiate a review of a
premises licence. The current position is that a review application
may only be made by the police or other responsible authorities or
by local residents or businesses or their representatives.
Whilst alcohol retailers may well be concerned that this code is
mandatory, they should at the same time take considerable comfort
from the fact that they will almost certainly already be complying
with these requirements, perhaps with the exception of the 'small
measures' provision.
The proposals will go before Parliament for approval in due
course. Licensees should monitor developments carefully because it
seems likely that anti social behaviour and how to tackle it will
once again be political issues during this year's general election
campaign.
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