The Government has announced that it has listened to the views received in response to the consultation and in discussion with partners has decided not to proceed with the proposal to abolish the system of personal licences.
The decision has been welcomed already by the WSTA, BBPA and ALMR, though all are concerned that there is only dialogue rather than progress in removing the unnecessary burdens of ‘red tape’.
WSTA
WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale said:
“We are pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns of the industry and won’t be abolishing personal alcohol licences.
“While we are fully supportive of the Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burden on business, allowing local authorities the powers to develop their own personal licensing system risked imposing unnecessary burdens on the trade and creating disparities between local authorities.
“When it comes to the responsible sale of alcohol our members are fully supportive of measures to help raise the general standard of training and will often go much further to ensure they are operating the highest standards with regards to the retail of alcohol
BBPA
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments on Government announcement on personal licences:
“It is very good news the Government has listened to the industry, as the whole trade was united in opposition.
“Personal licences work well, setting a national standard which is supported by both local authorities and the police.
“They are important for the reputation of the industry, and are needed as a nationally recognised qualification.”
ALMR
Kate Nicholls, ALMR Strategic Affairs Director, said:
“We are pleased that the government has seen sense and decided to retain the well-regarded personal licence system, which has enhanced standards and contributed to increased professionalism across the industry.
“Removing the personal licence would have been a retrograde step certain to result in additional bureaucracy at a local level. Nationally-recognised qualifications are crucial if we are to foster sustainable investment in training and allow businesses a fair and level playing field in which to trade.”