The ALMR has warned that the addition of public health as a licensing objective would undermine existing work without tackling perceived areas of alcohol-related harm.
Public Health England has published the findings of its alcohol support package pilot scheme recommending the introduction of public health as a licensing objective.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “What we should remember, and what Public Health England should recognise when making such recommendations, is that consumption of alcohol is declining.
“Clearly, new ways of sharing and analysing data are always welcome in the context of public health, but converting data into positive outcomes to reduce alcohol harm is a complex issue. For example, there can be significant over-estimations of alcohol-related admissions and conditions by including a wide range of secondary diagnoses which may, or may not, have a causal link to alcohol but may equally be caused by a range other lifestyle factors. To link public health with licensing decisions ignores more effective approaches to reducing harmful drinking and jeopardises hospitality businesses.
“The recent report by the House of Lords Committee reviewing the Licensing Act recommended – after considering evidence from all sides of this debate – that no additional objectives ought to be added. Local authorities already have a number of powers open to them if they wish to tackle perceived areas of alcohol-related harm and the sector is very active in partnerships to address harmful drinking in a targeted manner. It is difficult to see how an additional objective would succeed. Attempts to put this into practice in Scotland have already caused confusion and the House of Lords Committee cited this in its recommendations.
“It is disappointing to see the PHE has not sought to include the wider eating and drinking out sector more closely in its work and has failed to take advantage of the insight and support we can provide. The ALMR and its members are always keen to work with Public Health England to jointly tackle any problems and help support healthier attitudes to alcohol. An additional licensing objective will only undermine current work, could potentially make life very hard for employers and is unlikely to have the desired benefits.”