Pubs signal relief as alcohol code is shelved until 2011

Government plans to introduce mandatory code on all alcohol sales have been put on hold, it has been revealed.

Earlier this year, Gordon Brown spoke out about the need to place restrictions on the way that pubs can promote alcohol. Irresponsible drinks promotions were blamed for encouraging a binge drinking culture in the UK.

However, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson has since said that this is one of many planned changes set to be postponed until 2011. In a letter to members of a Cabinet sub-committee, he wrote:

"I support the approach that where measures appear without a planned implementation date - and on the assumption they are not planned for the near future - we commit to not imposing these measures until after April 2011."

The news will come as a relief to pub landlords, many of whom were concerned that advertising limitations would harm their business at an already difficult time. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has frequently argued against issuing an across-the-board alcohol code. Mark Hasting, Director of Communication for the BBPA, commented:

"While the code is now shelved, we have made clear to Government we would continue to support specific, targeted action on irresponsible promotions," said director of communications Mark Hastings.

"This could still be achieved, through a straightforward measure that doesn't drown Britain's pubs in costly red tape."

18/09/09