Future of mandatory licensing code looks uncertain

The proposed mandatory licensing code looks increasingly unlikely to be passed in full effect by parliament in the face of industry, economic and political pressures. Earlier this year Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged to bring in the code to tackle irresponsible drinks promotions and as an alternative measure to introducing a minimum price. However now the code looks unlikely to make it through parliament as reported in this Times article, which quotes a Home Office spokesperson as saying:

"We are listening and responding to the strong concerns from the licensed trade who are concerned about responsible premises being caught up with the less responsible ones. We recognise that this is a big change but, having regard to the concerns of stakeholders at our consultation events, we think it is right to respond quickly while we have this opportunity."

Consultation on the proposed code closed in August this year but a story soon followed reporting that the business secretary Lord Mandelson had attempted to halt the code to protect the business interests of the industry. Sectors of the industry, particularly the pub trade, have staunchly opposed the code condemning it as an untargeted measure which could cost £58 million to implement.

The code was due to be brought in as part of the Policing and Crime Bill 2009, currently going through the House of Lords. A mandatory code has been supported by health and public sector professionals and Alcohol Concern have highlighted that alcohol is often poorly labelled and compliance with previous voluntary codes had been low.

Comments

[Rachel Seabrook]

Update: Following your link to the Policing and Crime Bill, I see that it received Royal Assent on 12 Nov 2009, and so is now law. This gives the Secretary of State the power to specify mandatory conditions 'by order'. The conditions are not specified in the bill and until the order is given, no conditions are imposed.