Pictured above: Andrew Lee, a solicitor in the licensing team at Midlands' law firm Challinors 

Licensees are being given a stark warning to be 'extra careful' in the run-up to the election, as licensing committees are heeding the 'binge drinking' buzz around parliament and proving keener than ever to implement blanket conditions at licence reviews or applications.

Andrew Lee, a solicitor in the licensing team at Midlands' law firm Challinors explains: "The pre-election period and Political Party manifestos will doubtless use the 'Booze Britain' issue as an easy target for campaigns and to deliver fresh impetus to tackling the drinking culture. The fate of pub and club licensees lies in the hands of local councillors, who are acutely aware of the interest in this issue.

"There's growing concern amongst the public in relation to 24-hour drinking and the government's intentions reflect this. Alcohol consumption is sharply in focus and Licensees must be extra vigilant as minor first offences could result in serious sanctions.

"Recent cases have proved that a licensing panel is fully entitled, and has the power, to revoke a licence if a serious offence is committed, even if it is a first misdemeanour. Parliament has placed tackling Britain's booze culture at the heart of the electoral battleground, and licensees must take extra care."

Binge drinking in the UK has become a buzzword within parliament as it continues to tackle the country's booze culture. Emphasis is being place on banning drinks promotions such as 'Happy hours' and 'all you can drink for £10', and parliament is debating a tougher mandatory code of practice for licensees. "This will see the imposition of large fines and even custodial sentences for those licensees using irresponsible drink promotions," says Andrew.

Measures currently proposed include pubs and clubs providing free tap water to customers, the requirement for them to ask for the identity of anyone who looks under 21 years old, and for licensed premises to offer wine in small 125ml glasses as well as the more common 250 ml measure, which have been blamed for the increase in drunkenness amongst women. Licensees will also have to offer small beer and spirit measures, whilst additional taxes could be levied on 'problem' drinks such as alcopops and super-strength beer and cider. Off licenses could also be banned from selling alcohol below cost price.

"Ministers have stopped short of banning supermarket 'bulk buys', despite the fact that drinking at home before a night out has developed its own culture, particularly in the credit crunch," says Andrew. "This causes increased pressure for the pubs and clubs as people arrive later in the evening and are already intoxicated before ordering their first drink.

"Landlord's responsibilities are therefore increased and the penalty for failure is greater as local authorities are given wider powers to impose harsh sanctions.

"It's a tough time for licensees as the spotlight is on parliament to address the booze culture in Britain - licensees must be aware and be extra vigilant not to risk their licenses."

Challinors has offices in Birmingham, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Halesowen and Nottingham. The firm has 24 partners and over 100 fee earners, and is ranked as one of the top legal firms in the West Midlands, being Number 1 in the Chambers UK Directory in a number of categories, including Clinical Negligence.