A HEREFORDSHIRE winemaker is campaigning against a new Licensing Bill that is threatening the livelihoods of small producers.

David Longman of Frome Valley English Table Wines, Bishops Frome, said the current Bill being considered would mean attending events like the Bromyard Gala would be too costly for some winemakers.

The Bill requires that events such as Farmers' Markets must have both a premises licence to sell alcohol and a fully qualified designated premises supervisor on hand to authorise alcohol sales.

It means that the owner of the land where sales takes place will have to obtain and pay for licenses both for himself and for the premises.

"A lot of small wine producers like myself rely on Farmers' Markets and exhibitions like the Eastnor Food and Drink Festival to promote our products. At some events, such as the Bromyard Gala, there would only be one or two people selling. We would have to get a licence, plus the organisers of the show.

"We think it's unfair and discriminates against those trying to promote English trade when farmers are diversifying," said Mr Longman, who has been at Paunton Court, Bishops Frome, for 12 years.

The Wine and Sprit Association says the new provision suggests the Government believes enough winegrowers attend Farmers' Markets to justify the hassle and expense of getting both licenses.

Mr Longman said the law would make exhibiting less viable and some winegrowers would not be able to participate. "We are lobbying our MPs to get an amendment," he said.