Alcohol code 'put on hold'

Plans to introduce a mandatory code governing the sale of alcohol appear to have been postponed by the Government.

The code, subject to a Home Office consultation that closed only a month ago, is reported to be among a number of new pieces of legislation that will be delayed until at least April 2011, as the Government seeks to halt measures that could be seen as "anti-business".

The Times claims to have seen a letter from Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, in which he outlines his support for the postponement of measures "without a planned implementation date". He singles out the "mandatory code on alcohol" as a prime candidate for delay.

Responding to the news, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) - which opposes a blanket code imposed on all resellers - made clear that it would accept targeted measures.

"While the code is now shelved, we have made clear to Government we would continue to support specific, targeted action on irresponsible promotions," said director of communications Mark Hastings.

"This could still be achieved, through a straightforward measure that doesn't drown Britain's pubs in costly red tape."

The code of practice's conditions were to include free tap water for customers, and a requirement to display the alcohol content of drinks.