BII chiefs have successful meeting with Licensing Minister
23-Nov-2007
BII Chief Executive, John McNamara and Director of BIIAB, Cathie Smith had a productive meeting with Licensing Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe yesterday on the eve of the second anniversary of the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003.
Amongst other issues, Mr Sutcliffe was sympathetic to the BIIAB’s joint campaign with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to ensure that government funding for qualifications meet the needs of the licensed retail sector. He agreed to discuss it with his colleagues. With the issue of personal responsibility being high on the Prime Minister’s agenda, Mr Sutcliffe showed enthusiasm for the ground breaking BII Schools Project and the roll out across the country of the BIIAB Level 1 Certificate in Alcohol Awareness.
John McNamara, BII Chief Executive, said, “We found the meeting with the Minister very productive and we were delighted at the level of support we received for a number of our key campaigns. On the back of the industry meeting with the Prime Minister earlier this week the discussion also centred on the National Alcohol Strategy and it was agreed that the general public and the media need to be made more aware of the work of responsible licensees like the 50,000 BII members across the country.
“Mr Sutcliffe was also interested in our members’ views on the Licensing Act and how the first two years have been perceived. From our members’ point of view it is really too early to say what the long term impact will be but where applied for our members have gained longer and more flexible hours to meet the needs of their businesses. Again the over reaction of the media has been the sticking point with hysterical coverage of supposed 24 hour opening or drinking. Reality is that less than 0.5% of pubs have 24 hour licences and are using them for special circumstances and occasions.
“We are looking forward to further positive dialogue in the near future with the Minister.”
