Convenience retailers have welcomed the move by the government to give harsher sanctions to irresponsible alcohol drinkers, but said all retailers should not get tangled up in a code of practice.
James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive, said this legislation would be a “bureaucratic straight-jacket” and if it was to dictate new measures including training, also a burden on convenience retailers.
He said: “We are not convinced that there is a robust evidence base to show that measures outlined in this code of practice to restrict the way alcohol is promoted will prevent alcohol related harms.
“Such measures may undermine competitiveness and harm the interests of responsible consumers.”
Yesterday the government’s planned legislation met with a mixed response from retailers and drinks manufacturers.
The British Retail Consortium believes all shoppers should not be penalised for the actions of a minority.
Lowman said that while the ACS supports sanctions against irresponsible retailers, “the priority should be placed on partnership working and not draconian enforcement”.
Speaking about punishments for people not drinking responsibly, Lowman said there should be a range of penalties dependent on an individual’s culpability in each separate instance.
A report commissioned by the Department of Health said wine drinkers would be hit hardest by promotions bans.
But Petra Meier from Sheffield University, which conducted the research, said increased alcohol prices can have a positive impact on peoples’ health.
