Big Hospitality, 29th November 2010
I wouldn't strongly object to retailers being prevented from selling alcohol at less than the cost of Excise Duty and VAT if that's going to avoid the even stupider proposals to charge a putative 50p per "unit" (you nits?); making bars and clubs contribute towards policing - in many areas of the country high streets would be consist of boarded-up, semi-derelict shops (little or no income in business rates) if it wasn't for the bars, but - heigh-ho - if it gives greater freedom of opening hours then a small levy may be a worthwhile trade off.........Finally, the thorny problem of what to do about under-age drinkers. As one who received a police caution some years ago when I was a joint licensee of a neighbourhood bar which served some kids while I was absent, I don't have a problem in principle with increased fines for persistent offenders but what stuck in my craw then - and still does - is that the real offenders (the kids) got off scot-free and would have been called as prosecution witnesses if I'd contested the action. What sort of idiotic message is that to send out? Don't bother answering......
