Calling for Change
Since yet another amendment back in April to the licensing laws even more pubs, clubs and bars are struggling to keep their heads above the water.
Labours’ Alan Johnson said last January, "The voluntary code for retailers is not working so we have decided to introduce a mandatory one which means no more irresponsible promotions and a legal obligation to ask people to verify their age. “Prevented from holding speed drinking competitions and promoting "all you can drink for £10" type offers.
This I can live with and I totally see the point but the issue isn't with the on trade, It’s with the off, so why are supermarkets still allowed to retail alcohol below cost price. It seem one rule for them.......I somehow fail to see where the level playing field is.
From October, all licensed premises will be required to offer drinks in smaller measures and tap water for free. Again a good idea but again another piece of legislation thrust upon us and I've never seen supermarket give away free water!!
I'm moaning, but in my on-going fight on behalf of the on trade, I and all those who agree with me must fight our corner and re-balance the rules.
So where do I think it’s gone wrong?
When the labour government overhauled the licensing laws in 2003 that came in to force in 2005, most of what they did the industry agreed with. I'm pretty comfortable with the current rules, the system is easier and it’s easier to move around the industry and into different jobs.
Where the labour went wrong is the cafe culture idea. Trying to create a European type culture in the UK hasn't worked. Great idea, no cigar. They wanted people to spread out the public's alcohol consumption and not to be forced in and out of venues restricted by time. What has actually happened is alcohol consumption has spiralled out of control by driving alcohol underground......i.e. "home"
Prior to the changes you could buy alcohol cheap from supermarkets and off licensees but you largely didn’t bother. Why? Because if your planned a night out and it involved pubs you knew you only had until 11pm and 2am if you wanted a club. This made people go out and out early. Pubs and bars made money until 11pm and clubs made money after.
Pubs, bars and clubs controlled the amount people drank. The public were restricted by the cash in their pockets. The public drank where they could be seen, moderated by responsible retailers. Ok there were poor operators but in the main it was good. This for me is key and what upsets me the most when I see the on on-trade being blamed for problems and squeezed by legislation.
I don't blame supermarkets of jumping on the market. That's business. What I do blame is the government and the lob sided way they are tackling it.
So what do I want?
A change back to the old licensing laws. Not Sundays that was idiotic, but general hours. 10am-11pm one license, 9pm-3am another. Take your pick which one you want for your business.
When should it happen?
As soon as we can so we don't miss a generation and delay so long it’s irreversibly damaged.
The Tories accuse Labour of encouraging a binge-drinking culture with 24-hour licensing laws.
The Coalition pledge to "take back control of town and city centres".
A Tory government would give councils powers to impose a "late-night levy" on off-licences open after 10.30pm, and drinks venues open after midnight.
The tax revenues would be used to pay for the cost of extra policing and clearing up in problem areas.
Maximum fines for landlords and off-licences who repeatedly sell to children will be doubled.
"It's time we took back control of our town and city centres, and turned them back into places where people can have a good night out without the fear of being caught up in a culture of binge drinking and anti-social behaviour."
"We need to scrap the Government's late-night licensing regime, give local people back powers over the number of licensed premises in their areas, and introduce charges for late-night licences to pay for better policing.
"We can't go on with the binge-drinking culture that has built up under Labour."
Mr Prime Minister, Collation Government, Please join my blog.........................
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