The voluntary initiative, which takes effect in the six-week run-up to Christmas, also includes refusing to serve people who are suspected of creating drink-related problems in the Cambourne area. Partners and Communities Together, the group behind the scheme, involves police, the town council and church leaders. Police will be offering support to off-licence staff to help them identify drunks, troublemakers and people who are buying…

The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, made up of almost 400 members, has also recommended that the Treasury should review the difference between on and off-trade prices and that tax on draught beer be cut. The group, which receives funding from 60 companies operating in the pub trade, made the recommendations in its Community Pub Inquiry. The report follows a two-year inquiry during which the group…

The WSTA was responding to press reports that such a move was being considered by the government as a measure to tackle binge drinking. Checkouts would be operated by specially-trained staff, according to the Telegraph, which quoted a senior government source saying: “Having separate areas to sell alcohol will help us tackle this growing problem of young people getting tanked up on cheap supermarket beers…

Speaking at the Westminster Health Forum seminar on alcohol and responsibility, Kate Blakeley said: “The current model of reliance on an entirely voluntary code is not necessarily working. The Portman Group code is for producers, and I think there is an opportunity to extend this further. “We believe there is a case for the government and the industry to work together to identify appropriate standards…

f powers already available to them. Current legislation gives enforcement agencies the power to review, suspend or revoke alcohol licences. Retailers can also face fines of up to £10,000 and a 48-hour closure notice if they are found to be repeatedly selling alcohol to children. ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The creation of a code would just duplicate existing laws. There is already legislation…

trade. The document affects off-trade businesses less than their on-trade counterparts, but includes some proposals which could have a major impact on supermarkets and off-licences. The proposals include restrictions on in-store tastings, sensible drinking messages in sales areas, compulsory CCTV cameras and a minimum level of staff training. The government also wants health warnings on labels, and may insist on a full breakdown of the…

MSPs voted by 72 to 47 against the proposals and although the vote is not binding on ministers, some commentators say the plan is now “dead in the water”. During a lively exchange with Labour leader Iain Gray this week, Salmond said pilot schemes had been successful and supported by retailers. He attacked the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties for simply opposing the proposals…