Peter Forshaw, partner and head of leisure at Weightmans, on proposed Alcohol Disorder Zones
HE realisation of Alcohol Disorder Zones accelerated last month, when the revised legislation to combat alcohol related problems was laid before Parliament. Under the proposals, local authorities have the power to designate a particular area as an ADZ if there has been a nuisance or disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol supplied at premises in that area.
Consequently, all licensees within the ADZ - including, potentially, supermarkets and off licences - will be liable to contribute to the cost of managing the disorder. The impact for the licensing trade will not just be financial. Authorities will suspend licenses for failure to pay which could mean complete loss of livelihood.
The designation of an ADZ highlights problem areas, leading to the attraction of trouble-makers, rising insurance, and falling property prices. To avoid an ADZ being imposed, everyone in the region concerned with the retail of alcohol must work together to introduce measures such as effective crowd dispersal policies and reporting of rogue traders to the authorities.
Other measures include membership of accredited schemes like the BBN award, which make an ADZ designation less likely and the holders eligible for a discount of up to 90% on any levy imposed.
In addition licensees are advised to encourage the police and local authorities to inspect their premises, train staff to identify and deal with trouble signs and implement strict control of alcohol, glass and other items being removed from the premises.
By implementing these measures, the region's licensed trade can minimise the risks of an ADZ and enable prosperous and safe trading. Now that's got to be worth drinking to!