Licensing Act is "fit for purpose" says ALMR

Published: 12 November, 2008

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has addressed MPs on the effectiveness the 2003 Licensing Act.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has addressed MPs on the effectiveness the 2003 Licensing Act.

Submitting evidence to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry, Nick Bish, chief executive of the ALMR, said he believed that the Act should remain the main means of regulating pubs and bars.

Opening the session, Bish said: "(The Act) should be the only piece of legislation to deal with licensing. Future amendments and changes shouldn't be hijacked or diverted into health or policing legislation. It's evolving; it's not perfect, but it's good. It is fit-for-purpose."

Bish also highlighted the role that the on-trade had recently played in tackling irresponsible drinking.

"We are certainly taking huge steps for the control of drinking in on-licence premises. Investment in security and our controls and our understanding of our social and corporate responsibilities has never been higher," he said.

Bish refuted claims that the on-trade was mainly responsible for generating a hostile night-time environment in many towns and cities, saying that there is a "social change" of young people coming out later.

"(This) is much more to do with the availability of cheap alcohol through supermarkets, that we've found changes the aspirations of young people going out to pubs and clubs and bars late at night," he said.

The ALMR was joined by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the BII in its address.

Last month, the Police Federation warned the government that the Licensing Act is failing to encourage more responsible attitudes to alcohol or reduce drink-related crime.

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