Mandatory sale of alcohol code: what does it mean for UK drinkers?

<h1>Mandatory sale of alcohol code: what does it mean for UK drinkers?</h1>Author: <a title="Drinkaware" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/drinkaware/182044.htm">Drinkaware</a> As the Government proposes to call ‘time’ on cut price drinks promotions we provide some need to know facts about the mandatory code. The Government is currently proposing a new era for the sale of alcohol, with laws prohibiting bars, clubs and pubs from offering alcohol promotions such as “All you can drink” and “ladies drink for free” to drinkers. At present the proposed changes are open for public consultation, however if enacted the Government hopes the laws will reduce both health and crime problems caused by binge drinking, which is estimated to cost the UK £13 billion a year. The changes will also affect drinkers hoping to take advantage of alcohol promotions in supermarkets and other retailers, as deals encouraging the sale of large amounts of alcohol would be prohibited. Other options Saying goodbye to ‘happy hour’ promotions and cut price drinks is arguably the most notable change the code would bring, however further recommendations would see the introduction of smaller alcohol measures in bars, clubs and pubs. For example the code states that bars, pubs and clubs would have to abide by the following; • Offer a choice of smaller alcohol measures to customers, such as 125ml wine glass and single spirit shots. • Make free glasses of tap water available readily available for customers by law. How can customers be assured that retailers will follow the proposed guidelines? The Government has stated that failure to follow the code will result in a £20,000 fine, the loss of the landlords licence or six months in prison. Keeping consumers informed Consumers would see the recommendations in action as alcohol promotions in pubs, bars and supermarkets disappear. The code will support current sensible drinking messages by Drinkaware and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which are currently displayed next to alcohol price information in supermarkets. Surprisingly the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) recommendations for a minimum pricing of alcohol will not be featuring in the code. He argued alcohol should be sold at a minimum of 50p per alcohol unit. However the Prime Minister decided not to act on these recommendations claiming it would “punish the vast majority of responsible drinkers.” Visit the Home Office website to view and have your say on the Government’s ‘Safe. Sensible. Social: Selling Alcohol Responsibly’ consultation.About the Author: Drinkaware – the <a href="http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/">facts about alcohol</a> Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of <a href="http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/">alcohol</a> on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and affect positive change.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/mandatory-sale-of-alcohol-code-what-does-it-mean-for-uk-drinkers-1011243.html" title="Mandatory sale of alcohol code: what does it mean for UK drinkers?">Mandatory sale of alcohol code: what does it mean for UK drinkers?</a>

As the Government proposes to call ‘time’ on cut price drinks promotions we provide some need to know facts about the mandatory code.

The Government is currently proposing a new era for the sale of alcohol, with laws prohibiting bars, clubs and pubs from offering alcohol promotions such as “All you can drink” and “ladies drink for free” to drinkers.

At present the proposed changes are open for public consultation, however if enacted the Government hopes the laws will reduce both health and crime problems caused by binge drinking, which is estimated to cost the UK £13 billion a year.

The changes will also affect drinkers hoping to take advantage of alcohol promotions in supermarkets and other retailers, as deals encouraging the sale of large amounts of alcohol would be prohibited.

Other options

Saying goodbye to ‘happy hour’ promotions and cut price drinks is arguably the most notable change the code would bring, however further recommendations would see the introduction of smaller alcohol measures in bars, clubs and pubs.

For example the code states that bars, pubs and clubs would have to abide by the following;

• Offer a choice of smaller alcohol measures to customers, such as 125ml wine glass and single spirit shots.

• Make free glasses of tap water available readily available for customers by law. How can customers be assured that retailers will follow the proposed guidelines?

The Government has stated that failure to follow the code will result in a £20,000 fine, the loss of the landlords licence or six months in prison. Keeping consumers informed Consumers would see the recommendations in action as alcohol promotions in pubs, bars and supermarkets disappear.

The code will support current sensible drinking messages by Drinkaware and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which are currently displayed next to alcohol price information in supermarkets. Surprisingly the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) recommendations for a minimum pricing of alcohol will not be featuring in the code.

He argued alcohol should be sold at a minimum of 50p per alcohol unit. However the Prime Minister decided not to act on these recommendations claiming it would “punish the vast majority of responsible drinkers.” Visit the Home Office website to view and have your say on the Government’s ‘Safe. Sensible. Social: Selling Alcohol Responsibly’ consultation.

Drinkaware – the facts about alcohol Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and affect positive change.

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Article Tags: Drinking, Binge Drinking, Drinking Alcohol, Drinking To Much, Am I Drinking Too Much, Mandatory Alcohol Code, Alcohol Laws

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