Elton panel report into licensing delayed until next year

The Elton Panel report into England and Wales's new alcohol licensing laws will not be published this year, the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed.

A spokesman for the DCMS said the independent report, headed by Sir Leslie Elton, the former chief executive of Gateshead Council, would not be published before Parliament's Christmas break.

The report has, however, been delivered to Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell.

Although no firm date for publication has been set, it is believed the recommendations will be made public early in 2007.

In an interim report last December Elton recommended simplification of the licensing application process and introduction of an annual renewal date.

Of most interest to pub operators will be whether the final report backs the clamour from local councils for an increase fee levels.

Councils took on the duty of running the regime from Magistrates last year and have complained bitterly since that current fees are too low to allow them to perform their required duties, such as health and safety inspections.

Industry representatives have hit back and accused some councils of "gold plating" their duties as part of the new regime.

One year on, are the new licensing laws working? >>

Licence applications need to be to made simpler >>

Pub boss joins licensing fee review panel >>

For more on licensing change go here >>

By Chris Druce

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