A number of UK hospitality groups have teamed up as part of a joint submission to the Home Office in response to planned changes to licensing laws.

Plans to overhaul the Licensing Act were confirmed by home secretary Theresa May in July, which could result in councils being given more powers to tackle drink-related issues. A ban on the sale of below-cost alcohol was also put forward as part of the proposed alterations, which were opened up to industry groups for consultation.

The submission has brought together organisations, including the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA); the Association of Multiple Licensed Retailers (ALMR); and the British Hospitality Association (BHA). The British Institute of Innkeeping; the Federation of Licensed Victuallers; Business In Sport and Leisure; and NOCTIS, also worked on the submission, along with the British Holiday and Home Parks Association and the Tourism Alliance.

Among the measures included in the joint submission is the review of alcohol taxation and new conditions that would help promote 'fair competition' between hospitality businesses and supermarkets. The groups have called for the introduction of either mandatory conditions for the sale of alcohol in the off-trade or a government-backed voluntery code of practice for both the on and off trades.

Meanwhile, the industry is also calling for recognition in its role to combat under-aged sales through the increased use of training orders where "trangression is without intent". The joint submission also includes legal opinion from Gerald Gouriet QC on the legality and legitimacy of changing existing laws outlined by the Licensing Act.

In the submission, the groups said: "We are particularly concerned that, given the nature of the measures that are now proposed, the request that there should be a deeper review of the Licensing Act has been denied." BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds added: "This submission brings together a coalition across the hospitality sector and a unified voice on the critical issues that concern the industry about the government's current proposals.

"In addition, we considered it vital to invest in a legal opinion from an eminent QC to provide an authoritative view on the fundamental legal issues that arise from these proposals."