The Home Office has published its plans for re-balancing the Licensing Act which aims to give more power to local communities. However recent speculation that a below cost ban was soon to be introduced was proven false, though the Government have stated they remain committed to bringing in the ban. Plans to give health bodies powers as responsible authorities and the introduction of a late night levy look set to go ahead. See the Home Office press release.
The changes are to be brought in through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill and also outline a commitment to review the mandatory code. The fine for persistent underage sales is to be doubled whilst the unused Alcohol Disorder Zones are to be scrapped (not to be confused with popular controlled drinking areas).
The Home Office have released a Government response to the consultation and made factsheets available on the main proposals, including:
- applications to give greater consideration to the local area
- late night levy
- making health bodies responsible authorities
- making relevant licensing authorities responsible authorities
- persistent sales of alcohol to children
- reducing the burden of proof
- cumulative impact policies
The Independent reported that as much as half of all pubs and clubs with late night licenses could cut their licensing hours to avoid an annual levy of up to £4,480, based on information from an impact assessment (parts one and two). See reports from the Publican and Morning Advertiser.
BBC home affairs editor Mark Easton looks back on the recent era of licensing in The myths of 24 hour drinking.
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