The government's plans to overhaul licensing laws could result in higher costs and more red tape for pubs in the UK, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

A range of alternative measures to help "streamline decision making and cut red tape" have been proposed by the trade organisation as part of its submission to a Home Office consultation on the issue. Proposals put forward by the BBPA include ending the need for councils to carry out wholesale reviews of licensing policies every three years, as well as supporting measures that prevent below-cost selling.

The organisation has also called for local licensing officers to take over responsibility for making decisions, rather than licensing authorities, in a move designed to ensure the process is efficient and independent. BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "We want to work with government, but fundamental change needs a longer and deeper conversation than what the government is now proposing.

"Some of the measures, while well-intentioned, will have the effect of imposing extra costs and regulations on well-run pubs while barely touching the real problem."