Changes to UK Licensing Law

Dec. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- THE POLICE REFORM AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT

The late night economy of town centres could be transformed if the Council decides to adopt powers proposed yesterday by the Government in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.  

The Bill makes significant changes to licensing laws and intends to give the Council new powers, including the ability to make a blanket order that could force all premises in a specified area to stop selling alcohol between midnight and 6 a.m.

If the Council decide not to force the closure of premises after midnight, they will be given a power to impose a “late night levy” on all premises selling alcohol after midnight to help pay for the cost of policing the night time economy and for other services such as taxi marshalling or street wardens.

Local people will be given a greater say in the licensing process – anyone who lives in the Council’s area or who has business interests in the area will be allowed to object to new licence applications and ask for existing licences to be revoked, even though they might not live or work nearby.

The Council will also have to consult with the local NHS Trust before granting licences and will be given greater powers to refuse licences.

According to licensing solicitor Philip Day, from Oxford and Bournemouth-based licensing specialists Horsey Lightly Fynn, Councils will be faced with some difficult decisions.  “In deciding whether to use these new powers to force pubs, nightclubs and off-licences to close much earlier than at present, the councils will have to take into account the effect on other businesses, including local hotels and guest houses which would also be forced to close their bars.  I anticipate that they may well allow these premises to continue operating past midnight but force them to pay for extra policing.”

Exactly how much extra will be charged for a late night licence remains to be seen but experts predict that many smaller businesses – corner shops and smaller restaurants and bars will simply opt to close earlier rather than pay the extra fees.

# # #

UK law firm specialising in licensing law, including alcohol sales, plays, films, music, dancing, reviews, hearings, appeals, judicial review