BLUSH TEST

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has decided against introducing a ban on barristers offering hospitality to solicitors. The decision follows a public consultation into the nature and extent of hospitality offered to solicitors by barristers. The BSB found no evidence of abuse or inappropriate behaviour, but says it is important there should be no perception that barristers are being instructed by solicitors for improper reasons. It says the “blush test” is a useful guide: barristers should not normally offer entertainment which either party would feel embarrassed to disclose to colleagues, clients or regulators.