Pub landlords are worrying about being made accountable for increasing numbers of government regulations. They say that they, unlike other business owners, are being made responsible for their patrons’ behaviour. Publicans rather than police are required to enforce regulations on smoking and under-age drinking. They also complain that they are being forced to spend more and more time on paperwork. Publicans are also being either required or encouraged to display far more regulatory notices on their walls, including tax-inclusive price lists, fire exit signs, names of licensees and signs enforcing gambling and anti-smoking legislation. Some say the proliferation of official notices is beginning to compromise the traditional décor of their premises. Financial Times 29/6/06 page 3

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