British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds has written to the Home Secretary in order to raise concerns over plans for proposed changes to the Licensing Act.

Last month, Theresa May confirmed plans to overhaul licensing legislation that could see local authorities given more powers to crack down on drink-related disorder and a ban on the sale of below-cost alcohol. The introduction of a fee for late-night licences and a limit on the number of Temporary Event Notices that can be applied for in a year; measures which the BBPA believes will have a negative effect on the sector.

In the letter, Simmonds said: "It is difficult to see how many of these proposals sit comfortably with the government's stated commitment not to penalise responsible drinkers or local pubs, remove regulation and promote business and the provision of private sector jobs. "It is also noticeable that while these proposals contain many measures targeted at business they are totally silent on the issue of holding individuals responsible for their anti-social behaviour."

For an interview with Brigid Simmonds, see Leisure Management, Q3 2010, pp. 30-33.