Plans to allow more freedom for pubs to serve smaller measures have been confirmed. A Guardian article highlighted premises will be able to sell wine in measures of under 75ml, while beers can be sold in Australian-style "schooners" which hold two-thirds of a pint. A consultation is also currently open on the relaxation of licensing laws for the royal wedding.
Industry trade groups will give evidence to a committee of MPs examining the licensing reforms later this month, reports The Publican. The controversial overhaul of the Licensing Act, which plans to give greater power to communities, is currently going through parliament. Written evidence can be submitted here. The Publican has also reported on pubs and government policy following comments from the Pubs Minister and a piece from the BII chief exec on pubs and Coalition policy.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) though has warned over a beer tax "double whammy", claiming the rise in VAT combined with the planned rise in duty will push the typical pub pint over the £3 mark. The BBPA called for a re-think claiming the changes will result in job losses and reduced revenue. Last year a leading doctor suggested reducing the VAT rate for pubs as part of wider alcohol policy and tax measures.
Professor David Nutt talks on the harms of alcohol in a Guardian video blog, including a short explanation of the recent harm rankings study. Nutt established the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs following his sacking from the Government's advisory group the ACMD. "It used to be that to drink you went to the pub and there were social constraints on how much we drunk" Nutt says. "A lot of people are inadvertently drinking more than is good for them and they're ending up in [their] middle age with alcohol-related damage." Nutt said policy is not facing up to the challenge of alcohol harm.
The drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group is advertising for new members to join its independent panel that rules on breaches of the code for responsible drinks marketing, reports the Morning Advertiser.
A 'no-wine' trial version of the hugely successful M&S 'dine in for two for £10' has flopped according to the Daily Mail. Despite higher quality food offered as part of the deal, one customer was reported as saying "No wine, no deal. Think again M&S!".
The Beyond the Silo blog explores Is Cardiff’s binge drinking reputation deserved?. A blog from the Centre for Policy Studies has called for better monitoring of addiction and dependence rates as part of improving mental health. Currently the main indicators for alcohol dependency include the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS). Manchester hospitals treat 186 drinkers every day, says the Manchester Evening News.
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