Last year we reported on a growing number of off-licenses agreeing to adopt 'reducing the strength' style initiatives, whereby shops agree not to sell beer or cider of 6.5% ABV or above.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has subsequently released guidance for councils considering setting up such as scheme - pdf briefing here.
The schemes typically aim to reduce street drinking and associated problems, with a number of areas showing significant impacts on crime and disorder. However the LGA briefing urges areas considering the introduction of such schemes to adopt a careful process of assessing and engaging key stakeholders, and evaluating the impact of the schemes.
The briefing also addresses other areas such as potential legal considerations - some trade sections had warned over possible breaches of competition law. The LGA however says councils 'in this context, are unlikely to be caught by Competition Law specifically', as long as they 'ensure that retailers are aware they must make individual and independent decisions about whether to participate in such schemes'.
The LGA also advise consideration of other voluntary local approaches including Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs), or responsible retailer schemes. However critics of such industry-involved local level initiatives may highlight the limited evaluation or evidence of effectiveness. Questions over the sustainability of voluntary initiatives may also be valid, as well highlighting that street drinking or alcohol consumption in public are not offences in themselves, even within 'controlled drinking zones'.
See a briefing on Street drinking: enforcement Vs Support? or all street drinking tagged reports.
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