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

Widespread opposition to the Mandatory Code for the sale of alcohol has led to calls for the Government to reconsider the legislation before consultation closes in August.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has formally asked the Government to reconsider the code, which it says will result in bureaucracy costs to the industry of £58m in the first year alone.

Martin Rawlings, director of pubs at the BBPA, said the code was a “body blow to many struggling pubs” and described it as “unnecessary, excessive and disproportionate”.

“At a time when 52 pubs are now closing every week, it is hard to accept that the Home Office seems determined to bury the industry in yet more red tape. All the powers needed to deal with the small minority of problem premises are already there. Better enforcement is the only sensible way forward,” he said.

Consultation workshops across the country, largely attended by police and council officials, have seen near total opposition to the code with 93% of attendees in Birmingham; 80% in Nottingham and 77% in Cambridge voting against the measure.

Over 5,800 supporters of the Axe the Beer Tax/Save the Pub campaign have responded to the Government concerning the Mandatory Code via a newly-launched web tool and the BBPA is urging other operators to make their own views known ahead of the 5 August consultation closure date.

“With public and political concern centred mainly on irresponsible promotions, the Government could quite easily focus on legislating to ban these through a simple amendment to the Licensing Act and would have the support from the industry, police local authorities and the public,” added Rawlings.


The mandatory licensing conditions proposed include:

• A ban on:

• irresponsible promotions such as ‘all you can drink for £10’
• activities that encourage excessive drinking such as dispensing alcohol directly into customers’ mouths

• Making sure customers are given the choice to buy the smallest measure available (e.g. a 125ml glass of wine), and are offered free tap water; and

• Making it more difficult for under 18s to buy alcohol online


The proposed Food Safety Act requirements include:

• Making sure that customers are given information about the alcohol unit content of drinks as they buy them; and 

• Ensuring customers are also given information about the effect alcohol has on their health

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By Emma White

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