From 6 April, retailers are banned from providing irresponsible promotions, such as speed drinking offers and 'all you can drink' offers. Retailers must also ensure that tap water is available to customers free of charge. The Home Office has published good practice guidelines on the code of practice for alcohol retailers, however some industry representatives have claimed the guidance has grey areas. The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said the guidance "leaves a lot of questions unanswered".

For more on this story go to:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=412949&SubjectId=2

The Home Office guidance can be found at:
http://www.thepublican.com/Journals/The_Publican/Publican/March_2010/

To read the ALMR's opinions on the guidance go to:
http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/default.aspx?page=articles&ID=204740