Essex bars and clubs using loophole in mandatory code: report

Clubs and bars in Essex are exploiting a loophole in the new mandatory code to avoid the crackdown on binge drinking, This is Essex has claimed.

The publication said clubs that previously offered all-you-can-drink deals were now offering entrance plus up to ten drinks for the same price. The code is meant to tackle "irresponsible" promotions.

This is Essex reported that landlords and licensees in Chelmsford believe the new rules are confusing and that there is uncertainty over what is meant by “irresponsible”.

Pub landlord Brett Sanders, chairman of the Chelmsford Publink committee, said: “There is a lot of confusion – the government have issued a mandatory code followed by a set of guidelines. But the guidelines really don’t clarify the situation – from reading the code it seems quite clear what is and isn’t acceptable, but the guidelines muddy the waters.”

Sanders said there was “a big question mark” over whether the code can even be effectively enforced.

On venues being held responsible and fined – or losing their licence – if they hold promotions which increase the risk of crime and disorder in their area, Sanders said: “How do we measure this? If someone is arrested after causing trouble, is it going to be the last venue that they visited which will be responsible?

“Someone could have been out drinking all day at five different bars before they do anything wrong – and the last place they visited could have been the one venue which acted responsibly and refused to let them have any more.”

Ian Weller, licensing officer for Chelmsford Borough Council, said: “Some licence holders feel that the conditions are not clear. What we are trying to do is get some clarity about what they actually mean so all of the businesses are working on a level playing field.”