Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week challenged the Government on what action they are taking to reduce irresponsible and anti-social drinking.
David Heathcoat-Amory has taken up the matter with the Government to ensure that the big supermarket chains are playing their part in combatting drinking problems and not undermining the pub trade.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Heathcoat-Amory asked Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Sport: “Is the Minister aware that although responsible publicans are doing what they can to counter irresponsible and anti-social drinking, when big retail chains sell loss-leading and discounted alcohol the pubs are blamed for the consequences? What is the Minister doing to counter that?”
In reply, the Minister told Mr Heathcoat-Amory: “The Right Honourable Gentleman raises a very important point. He is right that responsible publicans ensure that they do not serve people who have had too much alcohol.”
“Sometimes that causes problems outside their premises. We are working with the drinks industry. We responded to the all-party group on beer, members of which are present in the House today, in trying to look at the issues around pricing, and at a mandatory code to ensure that people do not have irresponsible promotions. Like him, I congratulate those publicans who act responsibly.”
Mr Heathcoat-Amory told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I have raised subject of support for Pubwatch with neighbourhood police officers and am pleased to hear that the police are continuing to back the responsible publicans and counter irresponsible behaviour and binge-drinking.”
