Alcohol Strategy

In 2004, the government published the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England. This was a major milestone: it was the first cross-government statement on the harm caused by alcohol, which included a shared analysis of the problem and a programme of action to respond to the issue.

The strategy sets out to: minimise the health harms, violence and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol, while ensuring that people are able to enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly.

It specifically focuses on the minority of drinkers who cause the most harm to themselves, their communities and their families. They are:
• young people under 18 who drink alcohol, many of whom are drinking more than young people did a decade ago
• 18–24-year-old binge drinkers, a minority of whom are responsible for the majority of alcohol-related crime and disorder
• harmful drinkers, many of whom don’t realise their pattern of drinking is causing harm to their health

Since the first  cross-Government alcohol strategy the Government has developed this policy area with the release of further strategies and consultations covering areas such as alcohol and young people, controls on retailing of alcohol and new ways of enforcement, it has also consulted on potential future policies on issues from mandatory health labeling on bottles to controls on price and promotions.  This policy area evolves rapidly so if you are a WSTA member, please consult the Policy Grid in the member’s section for an up to date summary of Government action.”

Licensing

In England and Wales, the Licensing Act 2003 came fully into force in November 2005.
Licensing Authorities (usually local authorities) are responsible for licensing the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment in England and Wales. If you are carrying on any of these activities, you will need the relevant authorisation and should speak to your local licensing authority.
You can find your local authority by accessing the following link:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm

The WSTA has produced clear and concise Licensing Guides for Producers, retailers, wholesalers and distance sellers.  These explain licensing requirements since the Licensing Act 2003 came into force and are available FREE for members and can be found in the members area of our website or for non-members to purchase on the publications page.

Click here to access an introduction to the Licensing Act 2003