The Association of Convenience Stores has rejected calls for a code of practice for alcohol retailers.
Instead, ACS has called for guidance to be issued to local authorities and enforcement agencies to help them to use the full range of powers already available to them.
As part of the ongoing National Alcohol Strategy, the Government is consulting on what future action should be taken against alcohol retailers. In the document Safe, Sensible and Social: consultation on further action the Department of Health proposes to create either a mandatory code of practice or further legislation for alcohol retailers.
Current legislation gives enforcement agencies the power to review, suspend or revoke alcohol licenses. 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.
What they say
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The creation of a code would just duplicate existing laws. There is already legislation in place to tackle alcohol retailers who persistently flout the law and sell alcohol to under 18s or to drunks. Rather than create further regulation, which will add a further burden onto responsible retailers, local authorities need guidance to use existing legislation to target the small minority of problem premises.”
