Lords to vote on ban on irresponsible drink promotions

The House of Lords is set to vote on the introduction of a series of new regulations for licensed operators, which will see a ban on "irresponsible" drink promotions, on Monday.

The six "mandatory conditions" which are effectively additions to the Licensing Act 2003, will be laid before the House next week, when they are expected to be approved.

If approved, the new rules will come into force on 6 April.

Among the new conditions are a ban on 'irresponsible' promotions, including the so-called 'dentist's chair'; the provision of free tap water for customers; a new requirement to ask drinkers who appear to be under 18 to provide photo ID; and a requirement to provide small measures.

Three of the conditions are expected to become law on 6 April this year, provided they are not opposed by MPs, with the final two - the new requirements on age verification and smaller measures - coming into force in October.

But the Government has the power to lay down a total of nine mandatory conditions, meaning that it could add a further four, potentially including minimum pricing on alcohol.

There is also confusion on how extensively the conditions can be applied, with one legal expert describing them as a "lawyer's picnic".

One area of confusion is the condition on smaller measures. Licensed operators will be required to offer wine in 125ml glasses. But it is not currently clear whether the regulation applies to every single bottle of wine in a pub or restaurant, or just one. Many restaurants currently serve a significant number of wines by the bottle only.

Government urged to clarify new licensing code >>

Government could add more clauses to mandatory drinking code, warns expert >>

Licensees disappointed with BBPA code of practice >>


By Neil Gerrard

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