Licensing laws relaxed on Sundays
The government has announced changes in Sunday licensing laws plus additional proposals for relaxation of drinking hours on New Year's Eve.
The Deregulation (Sunday Licensing) Order 2001 came into effect this week and allows restaraurants, registered member's clubs, nightclubs and casinos to apply for a Sunday extension until 12.30am on Moday morning or 2am (3am in London) when the Monday is a Bank Holiday.
Previsouly, Sunday licensing hourse could only be extended if the Sunday was a special occasion such as New Year's Eve or Christmas Day.
The Home Office also issued proposals for extended drinking hours on the forthcoming New Year's Eve and the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee. The document suggests relaxing the normal limit on opening hours on New Year's Eve this year as a test for future celebrations, For the Jubilee closing time may be extended to 1am.
Home Office minister Mike O'Brien said: "Licensing reform is high on our agenda but while the current laws are still in place we want to try to introsuce some limited flexibility using existing legislation."