gmb45
14th May, 2009, 06:27 AM
New Crackdown On Binge Drinking Culture
Pubs, bars and off-licences face a crackdown on booze sales under new rules aimed at tackling binge drinking.
Ministers are launching proposals for a ban on what they call "irresponsible" drinks promotions.
The mandatory code will stop offers such as the "dentist's chair" where alcohol is poured directly in to drinkers' mouths.
It will also hit "all you can drink" deals and bulk-buy discounts at supermarkets.
Breaches of the code could be punished with a fine of up to ?20,000.
Landlords could also lose their licence and face up to six months in prison.
The Home Office will propose giving new powers to councils in England and Wales to target specific outlets, such as major nightclubs, if they are causing drink-fuelled violence.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will say she does not want to penalise responsible drinkers and businesses, or impose a blanket ban on "happy hour".
But she will add the Government has a duty to act to curb the effects of excessive drinking on society.
Official estimates put the cost to the UK economy of excessive alcohol consumption at up to ?13bn a year.
Ministers are also concerned about the links between drinking and crime.
Around a fifth of violent crime occurs in and around pubs and bars and nearly 40% of domestic violence involves alcohol.
The British Pub and Beer Association says the code will increase job losses in the industry and force pubs to close.
Pubs, bars and off-licences face a crackdown on booze sales under new rules aimed at tackling binge drinking.
Ministers are launching proposals for a ban on what they call "irresponsible" drinks promotions.
The mandatory code will stop offers such as the "dentist's chair" where alcohol is poured directly in to drinkers' mouths.
It will also hit "all you can drink" deals and bulk-buy discounts at supermarkets.
Breaches of the code could be punished with a fine of up to ?20,000.
Landlords could also lose their licence and face up to six months in prison.
The Home Office will propose giving new powers to councils in England and Wales to target specific outlets, such as major nightclubs, if they are causing drink-fuelled violence.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will say she does not want to penalise responsible drinkers and businesses, or impose a blanket ban on "happy hour".
But she will add the Government has a duty to act to curb the effects of excessive drinking on society.
Official estimates put the cost to the UK economy of excessive alcohol consumption at up to ?13bn a year.
Ministers are also concerned about the links between drinking and crime.
Around a fifth of violent crime occurs in and around pubs and bars and nearly 40% of domestic violence involves alcohol.
The British Pub and Beer Association says the code will increase job losses in the industry and force pubs to close.