Following recent confirmation of plans to overhaul the Licensing Act in the Structural Reform Plan, a series of workshops will take place to seek views on forthcoming policy proposals.
The Home Office, now responsible for Licensing, are hosting the workshops which will seek 'views on policy proposals to be outlined in a forthcoming consultation on the rebalancing of the Licensing Act to empower local communities to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder.' Invitations to attend are being disseminated via local authorities though the Morning Advertiser have published further details.
A number of nationals have since published articles discussing the controversial 2003 Licensing Act and the implications of future changes. The Independent reported the reform will end 24-hour drinking and allow a levy on premises that stay open late, also publishing a comment in favour of reform. The Telegraph reported that drinks makers and pubs back licensing reforms whilst the Daily Mail criticised the Act from all angles.
Meanwhile proposals on the forthcoming ban on below cost sales has attracted attention with Asda announcing it has now introduced its own policy to stop selling alcohol at a cost of below duty plus VAT. However critics suggest that defining 'below cost' as duty plus VAT will not make any real difference based on pricing evidence. Alcohol Concern's Don Shenker said:
"While we welcome any step to stop the cheap sales of alcohol by retailers, this move is really a desperate and cynical attempt by ASDA to stave off future government legislation. The price of Carling lager in their new price structure will still come to around 20 pence per unit, far lower than recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. The evidence shows this will have no impact on reducing crime or binge drinking.
The fact that they are now offering to lower the price of other goods is an own goal - a confirmation that they’ve knowingly raised the price of food for years to subsidise the losses they make on alcohol. It’s a disgrace – all ASDA have admitted is that anyone who drinks sensibly has paid more for food over the past few years than they needed."
Options on below cost sales are currently being reviewed whilst submissions are being collected in respect of options on pricing and taxation.
The Portman Group have also recently called for self-regulation as the Government reviews consultation responses on industry labelling options. A review found poor adherence to the voluntary code but the industry body said '81% of products should be carrying the three core elements by the end of 2012' if self-regulation were to continue. The Minister for Public Health recently said the Government were 'looking closely' at the consultation results.
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