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Government considers overhaul of alcohol licensing laws
Thu 22 Jul 2010
The government has reiterated its intention to overhaul alcohol licensing regulations in the UK.
According to crime prevention minister James Brokenshire, the coalition is looking at giving local authorities stronger powers to remove licences from premises that are linked with ongoing problems.
Councils would also be allowed to refuse to grant licences to these establishments, while police forces would be handed a similar increase in powers as well.
In addition, Mr Brokenshire confirmed that the government plans to allow local authorities to charge more for late-night licences, the proceeds of which would go towards footing the bill of policing at this time.
He added that the below cost sale of alcohol would also be banned, while those establishments which persistently sell to underage customers would be handed tougher sanctions.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "Powers already exist to revoke licences of problem premises.
"The sanctions for sale to under age persons are already significant and increasing them would not make a difference.
"The authorities should focus on working with licence holders and enforcing using existing powers where appropriate.
"These proposed increased measures are not necessary."
The Home Office formerly shared responsibility for alcohol licensing and enforcement with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, but is now managing this task on its own.
An overhaul of licensing laws was recently named as one of the key elements of the Home Office's draft structural reform plan, which is designed to make the department more accountable to the public.
