The Conservatives have restated their plans to "overhaul" the Licensing Act if they win the General Election.

 

• Banning shops and supermarkets from selling alcohol below cost price

 

• Let councils charge more for late-night licences to pay for extra police

 

• Let councils shut down permanently any shop or bar found selling alcohol to children

 

• Double the maximum fine for underage alcohol sales to £20,000

 

• Raise tax on super-strength beers, ciders and "alcopops" but not on the "everyday pint"

 

• Granting "stronger" powers for police and councils over licensing, including removing licences from problem premises, and refusing

to grant to problem premises

 

It follows the Government's release of its updated mandatory alcohol retailing code yesterday, which will ban certain drinks deals in pubs and create new penalties for not asking for ID.