Licensing initiatives from surprising quarters.
Getting away from the flurry of stories on the Government’s consultation on their proposed changes to the licensing law (a done deal I think!), a couple of unrelated stories in the Morning Advertiser caught my eye. And I very much doubt they will have been highlighted by the Daily Mail.
The first is the initiative by Nottingham County Council to support and encourage pub lunch schemes for pensioners. Much more interesting than sitting at home alone eating your meal on wheels! The lunch clubs offer set menus for fixed prices of between £5 and £6. What better than to meet up with fellow pensioners down at the local for pie and chips at lunch time? And, what a boost to trade for those pubs getting in on the act! The County Council have so far piloted support for 3 pubs with contributions for marketing materials and menus. If successful, and I have no doubt it will be, they intend to roll it out county wide. Let us see this idea taken up nationwide, as it will help support hard pressed pubs and go a long way to make them the centre of their communities once more. It will also do a great deal for the pensioners’ social life and general well-being. Nottingham County Council are to be applauded for their pro-active approach which provides a “win win” scenario for all concerned.
The second news story is the decision by Bath University Students Union to ban pubs and clubs from advertising drinks promotions at the annual Freshers’ fair, whilst cutting the numbers of late night venues exhibiting, and raising its’ own prices. Who said students are not responsible? I was also impressed to read that the Bath Students Union has been awarded gold status in the Best Bar None awards, and that the National Union of Students has teamed up with the Drinkaware trust to promote sensible drinking amongst students.
It is a great pity that the tabloids and the Government are hell bent on convincing the country that all is negative as far as alcohol is concerned. Perhaps greater support and acknowledgement for initiatives like those in Nottinghamshire and Bath would reap greater rewards.
Nigel Musgrove
Licensing law Specialist
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