Opening hours shake-up expected this week
01 May 2001
Pubs, bars and restaurants are to be allowed to sell alcohol 24 hours a day as part of the Government's long-awaited overhaul of licensing laws. The Home Office is this week expected to publish the findings of the consultation exercise set up to examine the issue. It is understood that ministers are to go ahead with proposals outlined in the White Paper published last year and put an end to fixed closing times in England and Wales. However, the unlimited opening hours will be coupled with new police powers, including on-the-spot fines for both landlords and drinkers deemed to have broken the law. A new split licensing system will require landlords and their premises to obtain separate permits and a new "three-strikes-and-you're-out" policy will be introduced to stop landlords who have lost licences setting up elsewhere. Nearby residents will be able to block applications where it affects them, and the new laws will also end Sunday restrictions and give children greater access to pubs and bars.
