ACS

ACS yesterday gave evidence to MPs as part of the Committee Hearings scrutinising new alcohol legislation to be contained in the Police and Crime Bill.

ACS Director of Public Affairs, Shane Brennan, told MPs that Government predictions of job losses and small business closures were ‘alarming’ and questioned the need for more regulations to improve standards amongst alcohol retailers.

Mr Brennan said: “It is very worrying that the Government is predicting that the measures it is proposing under the new legislation could lead to business closures.

“We urge Government not to rush to conclusions and impose new regulations that may have perverse and negative outcomes on responsible businesses. The issue is about dealing with alcohol related harm.”

Mr Brennan was also questioned about underage drinking. He said: “There need to be consequences for young people’s actions. The case in point, our members will say, is that we are very aware of the implications of doing wrong and selling to under-age people. If we sell to one person, we may face significant penalties. There are six different ways in which you can be prosecuted for under-age sales of alcohol. However, whilst our members refuse to sell to underage people every day, it doesn’t stop them going to the next shop down the road and trying again.”

The Public Bill Committee of the House of Commons is considering the Police and Crime Bill which will create new alcohol related penalties for shops and individuals and impose new restrictions on business practices through the licensing system. The Government predicts significant costs and possible business closures in the Regulatory Impact Assessment that accompanies the Bill.