MARTIN BARNES Project manager Operational Logistics Navarm Somerset
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Barnes is convinced that any dilution of TCs powers at this stage would signal their eventual abolition.
"I think it's a short step to getting shot of them," he warns. "I'm not saying they get it all right all or the time, but I'm dead against Vosa being both the lawmaker and the enforcer. Not even the police are allowed to do that, Politicians make the laws and the police enforce them.
"TCs have a good reputation for fairness. There will always be individual cases where people disagree with the rulings, but as a rule they have a good image."
Apart from the worries about independence, Barnes cites the case of a colleague as an indication of how devolving the responsibility for 0-licensing can cause other headaches.
Applying to Vosa in Leeds for an interim 0-licence, the colleague was told it would take 90 days, "It used to take 14 days when it was handled regionally," says Barnes. "Within 90 days you should be able to get your proper 0-licence."