A new (and poorly publicised) draft Statutory Instrument has been published containing new mandatory licensing conditions, which aims to reduce binge-drinking…banning binge boozing by the back door.
The new provisions are subject to change, but are expected to be put into force on 6 April.
These ban irresponsible drinks promotions, including:
- games;
- unlimited drinks for a fixed fee;
- free drinks; and
- discounted drinks in connection with a sporting event.
In October, a further round of changes is expected, which will require small measures of drinks (eg half pints of beer and 125ml glasses of wine) to be available and for customers to be made aware of their availability. In addition, managers of licensed premises are to be required to have an age verification policy.