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Government unveils planned overhaul of Licensing Act
Wed 28 Jul 2010
Communities will be given a greater say on local licensing under new government proposals.
The home secretary Theresa May has outlined a series of planned reforms to the Licensing Act which the coalition hopes to implement soon.
This includes allowing local authorities to take the views of the wider community into account when considering licence extensions or renewals, rather than just those of people who live near to premises.
Other ideas up for consultation include charging a fee for late night licences, as the money generated could help to pay for additional policing.
In addition, owners of licensed premises may be required to pay a GBP 20,000 fine if they are found to sell alcohol to under-age customers on a persistent basis.
Establishments that are deemed to be "problem premises" may also be subject to automatic licence reviews, which could see their legal right to sell alcohol be revoked.
Ms May said the government's proposals would rebalance the licensing system in favour of local communities.
The Home Office now has sole responsibility for alcohol licensing and enforcement.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "Please see our Briefing Note published today for further information on the government's proposals.
"The Briefing Note can be found at http://www.wslaw.co.uk/publications/download/185/licensing-reform-here-we-go-again."
