Pubgoers join the opposition to a mandatory code for pubs

18 August 2009 by
Pubgoers join the opposition to a mandatory code for pubs

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the Government to stop its "heavy-handed approach" to pubs after more than 7,000 consumers objected to recent legislative proposals.

According to the BBPA some 7,150 pubgoers contacted the Home Office by the end of the consultation period last Friday (14 August) to object to the planned Mandatory Code via the Axe the Beer Tax and Save the Pub websites.

"It is perfectly clear from the last few weeks that there is overwhelming opposition to the Mandatory Code, from the public, licensees and councils," said BBPA chief executive Dr David Long.

Proposed licensing conditions in the Code are predicted to cost the industry up to £58m and include a ban on irresponsible alcohol promotions, ensuring customers are given the choice to buy the smallest measure available and information about the alcohol unit content of drinks.

In 10 workshops held across England and Wales, 93% of attendees opposed the code in Birmingham, 77% opposed it in the East of England and 70% voted against it in Wales.

Long added: "We agree with the need to end irresponsible promotions and the police and local councils already have the powers to stop them. But we object to these unnecessary new burdens which will cost the industry millions of pounds to implement and will only result in even more pubs forced to close."

Mandatory code for pubs and bars could cost the industry £58m >>

Pub industry cautious over mandatory code on alcohol sales >>

More than 50 pubs now closing each week, warns BBPA >>

By Emma White

E-mail your comments to Emma White here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next pub job here with Caterersearch.com jobs

Blogs on Caterersearch.com](http://www.caterersearch.com/blogs) Catch up with more news and gossip on all Caterer's blogs
[Newsletters For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters.
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking