The British Institute of Innkeepers (BII) has responded to the government's consultation on the new code of practice for alcohol retailers.

Following a series of meetings, BII says its members are opposed to the concept of additional conditions being introduced through the proposals. The main reasons include a belief that there are already considerable powers available to the authorities under existing legislation, widespread opposition to further legislative burdens being introduced and the potential extra cost involved. In a statement, BII also remarked that most licensed premises are operated in a perfectly satisfactory manner.

There are also concerns that implementing the proposals would fall on already stretched local authorities, raising the possibility of inconsistencies in implementation, and a failure to see how the new conditions would address the problems of binge drinking and drunkenness, 'surely a key objective of the proposals'. In conclusion, BII said that its members felt the proposals are a "disproportionate response to the minority of premises which cause concerns. They recognise that some of the ideas raised may have merit but feel that these are often already being addressed through industry best practice by professionals like themselves and that making these mandatory conditions is a mistake."