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Tag Archives: licensing

Pubs and Licensing news: Campaign to cut VAT for on-trade; calls against duty rise, Home Office ID guidance

The Morning Advertiser (MA) is campaigning for the Government to reduce VAT on the hospitality sector to 5% . The MA claims it could help create 220,000 jobs and rejuvenate the sector

Publications: Druglink alcohol issue; latest IAS Alcohol Alert

The latest Druglink magazine features a free sample edition featuring a number of alcohol features including; the licensing system in Cardiff, the thinking behind alcohol advertising and the use of drink as a precursor and symptom of sex exploitation.

News and updates Jan 2011: Pubs & licensing reform; Nutt speaks out; blogs and reports

Plans to allow more freedom for pubs to serve smaller measures have been confirmed . A Guardian article highlighted premises will be able to sell wine in measures of under 75ml, while beers can be sold in Australian-style “schooners” which hold two-thirds of a pint.

Localism bill gives communities right to buy pubs

The Localism Bill has been published, giving local people and organisations the right to buy community assets like pubs, shops and libraries. But council spending cuts of up to of up to 28% over four years were also announced

‘Below cost’ ban expected in bid to address binge drinking

Legislation to introduce a 'below cost ban' on alcohol may soon be announced as part of Governmernt plans to 'tackle binge drinking'.

News and updates Nov 10: Manchester minimum pricing interim report; Minister backs partnership alcohol schemes

AGMA , the association of 10 local authorities in Manchester considering a local minimum price , have released an interim report assessing the potential move. Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said:”The interim report recognises that there are a number of complex issues which require more investigation including the legal, economic, health and social implications of such an approach before any steps to create a bylaw are considered.” See press release and reports in the Publican and Daily Mail .

Cut VAT on alcohol in pubs suggests leading doctor

Varying the rate of VAT between the on and off-trade could help to reduce the negative impact of cheap alcohol without punishing pubs, argues Dr Nick Sheron of Southampton University. Sheron explores the idea in a BMJ article: Vary VAT on alcohol: a more palatable way to achieve minimum pricing? Sheron says that although minimum pricing would be effective in addressing cheap off-sales without punishing pubs, he recognises that 'the UK government is not keen on the concept'.

MP attacks supermarket’s "unholy price war" on alcohol

An MP has spoken out on an “unholy price war” as supermarket's alcohol discounts and offers are rolled out in the run up to Christmas.

Home Office structural reform plan: licensing overhaul imminent but below cost ban may wait until 2012

The release of the Home Office business plan 2011-2015 states that legislation in respect of alcohol pricing will be introduced in May 2012 – but only “if necessary”.

Licensing news Nov 2010: DBOs extended, Licensing Reform tensions & new Community Pubs Minister

Drinking Banning Orders extended The power to impose Drinking Banning Orders (DBOs) on conviction has been rolled out to a further 25 local justice areas, the Home Office has announced . DBOs are designed to tackle persistent alcohol related anti-social behaviour, allowing magistrates to attach conditions such as banning people from drinking in public or visiting licensed premises