7 November, 2007
By James Wilmore
The Publican Conference hears warning over the "most concerted and sustained threat to commercial viability ever"
The pub industry has been urged to prepare itself for a major and lengthy battle with health lobby groups over the issue of alcohol.
Speaking at the Publican Conference in central London today, Mark Hastings, director of communications at the British Beer & Pub Association, said the industry faced one of the most “concerted and sustained threats to its commercial viability ever” over lobbying on alcohol.
“That’s coming from the level of the World Health Organisation, from the European Union and our own government,” he added.
“Alcohol is the big issue at the moment and it’s absolutely essential that our industry gears up for what is going to be a considerable battle over the next few months and years.”
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