Local MP Jeremy Hunt has written to the Minister responsible for alcohol licensing, Jeremy Browne, to pass on constituent concerns about a new furniture business in Farnham that gives free alcohol to customers. Because the alcohol is being given away free the business does not need an alcohol license. There are concerns that this could do considerable damage to the pub industry as people choose to drink at Innsatiable rather than pay for drinks at the pub. Jeremy has written to Jeremy Browne to explain the situation and ask if the Home Office has any plans to address this loophole which allows shops to give away alcohol as long as it is not being sold. The owner of Innsatiable has also been in touch with Jeremy to explain his business idea and insists he is doing nothing wrong. The police explain no law is being broken but that they will continue to look out for any anti social behaviour that may arise from the free alcohol consumption.
Jeremy said: “Legally the owner of Innsatiable is doing nothing wrong but I know that there are genuine concerns about the impact of the scheme on the pub trade in Farnham and fears that similar businesses might open in other towns. Therefore I have asked the Minister responsible for alcohol licensing to have a look at this loophole and its potential implications”.