New drinking rules draconian blast

Reporter: by BEATRIZ AYALA
Date online: 22/07/2009

NEW drinking conditions on pubs and bars in Oldham should be scrapped, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

It called for legislation to be withdrawn following a landmark decision by Oldham Council’s Licensing Panel on Monday.

The panel said the Old Mess House pub, in Yorkshire Street, should not have extra conditions imposed on its licence as there was insufficient evidence of irresponsible drinks promotions at the pub.

Oldham’s Trading Standards department is reviewing the licences of 22 town centre premises in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour resulting from irresponsible drinks promotions.

Lee Le Clercq, regional secretary of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We are delighted that this traditional community local has won its case against this draconian action by Trading Standards in Oldham.

“The sage licensing committee at Oldham MBC have rightly concluded that taking 22 premises to a blanket review, contrary to the spirit of the Licensing Act, will inevitably lead to unfair and disproportionate action.

“In response to an increase in speeding offences in Manchester, would the Chief Constable send out fixed penalty notices to every holder of a driving licence in the city?

“Of course not, and that principle is the cornerstone of licensing in this country — each licence should be treated on its own merits or otherwise and dealt with individually.

“This puts down an important marker for the Government which is currently seeking powers for local authorities to impose discretionary conditions on multiple premises. It is clear that this proposed legislation should be withdrawn immediately.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We remain wholly committed to cracking down on irresponsible drinks promotions.

“Of the 22 venues whose licences were given notice of review in April, 13 have already reached final agreements with us while negotiations are ongoing with seven others.

“That in itself shows that our approach to this problem is one that is recognised and shared by the vast majority of trade members operating within the town centre.”