Government set to allow communities more say on licensing

The Government has unveiled new plans to give local residents more control over licensing as part of its Crime and Policing Bill.

The bill would allow communities and local authorities new powers to restrict premises from selling alcohol late at night if necessary, and to clamp down harder on premises that persistently sell to children - doubling the fine to £20,000.

Meanwhile, the Home Office said that there would be a "stronger local influence" on licensing decisions by allowing everyone the option to comment on licensing applications - not just those living close to premises. Health and policing concerns would also be considered more widely as part of the decision-making process.

And the Government is also aiming to use the bill to introduce a late-night levy, allowing councils to charge for late-night licences to pay for extra policing.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "These new measures will place the public back at the heart of our drive to cut crime, giving them a say in how their local area is policed by electing a Police and Crime Commissioner, and strengthening the powers that police and councils need to tackle crime and disorder at a local level."

Alongside the publication of the bill, the Government also published its response to the alcohol consultation "Rebalancing the Licensing Act" launched in July.

Plans include:
● Scrapping the overly bureaucratic and unused alcohol disorder zones;
● Giving licensing authorities the power to refuse licence applications or apply for a licence review without requiring relevant representations from a responsible authority; and
● A commitment to review the mandatory code within 12 months of its introduction to assess its impact and any unnecessary burdens on business.

BBPA warns Government over Licensing Act reforms >>

BBPA discusses Licensing Act concerns with Home Office officials >>

By Neil Gerrard

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