Legislation / Legal

HO: Irresponsible promotions including ‘all you can drink for £10’ and ‘dentist chairs’ will be banned under new powers introduced from last week. It is estimated that alcohol-related crime & disorder costs the UK taxpayer between £8 & £13bn a year.  
 
The mandatory code introduces 5 conditions for all alcohol retailers, which will hopefully ensure consistent good practice and crack down on problem premises where irresponsible drinking could put individuals at risk and lead to crime & antisocial behaviour.
Press release ~ Safe. Sensible. Social. Selling alcohol responsibly: government response to the consultation on the code of practice for alcohol retailers ~ HO: Alcohol-related crime
 
GEO: The Equality Bill last week completed the final stage of its passage through Parliament and will now become law. The Bill, which was first introduced to the House of Commons almost a year ago, will be sent to the Queen for Royal Assent after MPs approved amendments made by the House of Lords. 
 
Once the Bill receives Royal Assent it will formally become an Act and be introduced to the statute book. The provisions in the Bill will begin to take effect in autumn 2010.
Press release ~ Guide to the Equality Bill
 
BIS: The Digital Economy Bill has now received Royal Assent.  The Act includes provisions relating to the UK’s communications infrastructure, public service broadcasting, copyright licensing & online infringement of copyright, and security & safety online and in video games.
 
Some of the measures in the Act will come into effect immediately with others coming into effect in two months’ time.  Many of the Act’s provisions require further public consultation and in some cases approval by Parliament, before they can be implemented.
Press release ~ Digital Economy Act 2010
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