THE regulations governing the alcohol industry are "not fit for practice" and should be scrapped, according to an independent review to be published this week.
An investigation commissioned by the Home Office into the alcohol industry's Social Responsibility Standards found the regulations were flouted to allow "irresponsible and harmful practices".
These included the sale of alcohol to people under 18,
sales of alcohol to "blatantly intoxicated" people, and the promotion of excessive drinking though cut-price offers.
The report concluded that "the commercial imperative generally overrides adherence" to the code, and recommended a complete overhaul of the industry regulations, with local government playing a key role in enforcement.
The Home Office refused to comment on the report ahead of its official publication this week.
Frank Soodeen, head of public affairs at Alcohol Concern, welcomed the review's findings.
He said: "We now have pretty definitive evidence that small trade associations cannot drive through the improvement in standards that the government and the public demand.
"It's time for ministers to take ownership of the issue and more clearly outline bar managers' responsibilities."
The government auditors, KPMG, conducted observation studies over a five-day period in eight locations across England, visiting nearly 600 premises, including pubs, bars, clubs off- licenses and supermarkets.
The report is titled the Review of the Social Responsibility Standards for the Production and Sale of Alcoholic Drinks.
The full article contains 235 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
