The much debated mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers was passed through law this week as the Policing and Crime Act 2009 received Royal Assent. The future of the code had recently looked uncertain against reported industry, economic and political pressures.
But although the code has been legislated, its terms have not been set so are still to be agreed. When out for consultation, the code proposed a range of measures to stop irresponsible alcohol retailing such as 'buy one get one free' deals and requirements for point of sale information.
The Home Office are now reported to be considering the consultation responses and 'strong concerns from the licensed trade who are concerned about responsible premises being caught up with the less responsible ones' before deciding the code's conditions (see Times article here).
In a Home Office press release, Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:
"The public are at the heart of everything we do and they are our best weapon in fighting crime. The Policing and Crime Act gives police and local authorities new powers to tackle the issues of most concern to communities, like gang violence, alcohol-related crime and disorder, prostitution and lap-dancing clubs."
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