Was B.P. employee right to refuse alcohol to soldier in uniform?
Under Section 178, Licensing Act 1964 it WAS an offence to allow a constable on duty to be in licensed premises ( unless they were there as part of their duty ) and also to supply ANY liquor or refreshment, ( this included tea or soft drinks ) whether by gift or sale to an on duty constable except with the permission of their senior officer. This has been repealed by the Licensing Act 2003 and no equivalent offence remains. There were no specific offences for other uniform services under the Licensing Act. In practise it often makes sense not to sell alcohol to people who may be drivers such as taxi drivers or public service vehicle drivers who may be expected to drive and are identified as such by a uniform. This is probably the basis of the refusal to serve the person dressed in military uniform. It is worth remembering that there is NO right to insist on being served with alcohol and there is an absolute right for any bar staff to refuse service without giving a reason if they think
