Government makes pubs sector next in line for review of enforcement
The Government has called on people involved in running pubs to provide feedback as part of the latest review theme in its Focus on Enforcement campaign.
Launching an evidence-gathering phase, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said the review would look at the way regulation is delivered and compliance is achieved.
The pubs review will cover regulatory activity by national regulators and local authorities that affects the day-to-day running of pubs, particularly community pubs.
This includes:
- How the range of regulations impacting on pubs is enforced
- The clarity of regulatory requirements, and the availability of guidance and advice
- How regulatory breaches and non-compliance are handled
- Enforcing the rules around sale of food and alcohol on the premises
- Enforcing catering and food preparation requirements
- Enforcing health and safety requirements
- The application of weights and measures
- Change of use applications, in particular for community pubs.
However, the review will not cover: the regulations themselves; minimum pricing; issues related to tied/freehold status of pubs; business rates; and other regulatory activity that is not particular to the pubs industry such as employment and company law.
DBIS said it was looking to hear if third parties are implying regulations that require pubs to take action when in fact the regulations do not require this.
More information on Focus on Enforcement can be found here.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “Pubs are the beating heart of our communities. They are essential for people to relax and enjoy the company of their friends in villages, towns and cities all over the UK. But pubs are businesses too and, as enterprises, they can be held back by poor enforcement of regulation.
“Dealing with the way rules for pubs are enforced can sometimes be more of a problem than the red tape itself. That’s why I’m urging anyone involved in running a pub, particularly a community pub, to visit the Focus on Enforcement website and let us know your views so that we can consider and take any necessary action.”
The British Beer and Pubs Association said it welcomed the review.
Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Pubs are subject to a large amount of regulation, and if this is coupled with over-zealous enforcement, business can suffer. I hope the review will bring forward sensible ways of reducing the burden, so hospitality businesses can grow and create much needed new jobs.”