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Thu 4th March 2010
**NEWSFLASH** New Rules for Alcohol Retailers

The government is introducing a new mandatory code of conduct for alcohol retailers under the Policing and Crime Act 2009, following a consultation last May.

Five new conditions will be introduced:

• banning promotions such as "all you can drink for £10" or "women drink free" deals;
• banning "dentist’s chairs" where alcohol is poured directly into the mouths of customers;
• ensuring free tap water is available for customers;
• ensuring all sellers of alcohol have an age-verification policy in place; and
• ensuring small measures of alcoholic drinks are made available to customers.

Any premises that breach the code will risk a range of possible sanctions, including having additional conditions imposed on their licence, losing their licence, or facing a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment. The code will be introduced in two stages.

The first three conditions will come into effect on 6 April 2010, and the remaining conditions will come into effect on 1 October 2010. In addition, from 29 January 2010, local councils will have new powers in relation to licences. The proposed conditions of the code will now go before Parliament for approval.

Watch this space for further updates and if you have any questions, contact our Commercial Team on 01234 400000 or email mlawrence@pwhmllp.com