New alcohol rules must avoid costly burdens

Responsible retailers must not be made the scapegoats for alcohol-related trouble.

The new Policing Reform Bill, published today by the Home Office is to give councils increased powers to take action against premises selling alcohol which they believe are linked to local anti-social behaviour. More influence is also being promised for local residents but the British Retail Consortium (BRC) is warning the legislation must not add expensive extra burdens for responsible retailers.

Andrew Opie, British Retail Consortium Food Director, said: "It’s vital that efforts to tackle problem drinking don’t pile new burdens onto the vast majority of retailers who are selling alcohol perfectly responsibly and going above and beyond in their efforts to encourage customers to drink sensibly.

"There is already plenty of legislation to deal with poorly performing alcohol sellers. What’s really needed is better-targeted enforcement not more law.

"Local people should be involved in decisions over licensed premises. In fact they already are. It’s elected councillors who make licensing decisions. Stores know they need good relationships with people living nearby. They always work with the communities who are, after all, their customers."