The government looks set to delay the introduction of its controversial mandatory code of practice until after April 2011, according to reports this morning.

The welcome news for the trade has come after it emerged that Peter Mandelson has ordered a Cabinet-wide clear-out of “anti-business” measures in the face of the recession.

The code, designed to crackdown on irresponsible promotions and tackle alcohol-related problems, has been hugely unpopular as its untargeted approach would have cost the trade thousands.

In a letter by Mandelson, seen by The Times, sent to other members of a Cabinet sub-committee, he wrote: “I support the approach that where measures appear without a planned implementation date — and on the assumption they are not planned for the near future — we commit to not imposing these measures until after April 2011.”

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