Overhaul for UK licensing laws
02 May 2001
The Home Office today confirmed it is going ahead with changes to Britain's drinking laws. Key elements to the new licensing system will include: • Flexible opening hours with the potential for up to 24-hour opening, seven days a week • A single integrated scheme for licensing all premises that sell alcohol • Increased access for children to promote more family-oriented pubs • A system of "personal licences" issued for ten years to landlords rather than premises • Permission to sell alcohol given by local authorities, not magistrates The Government is drafting the proposals into a new bill, which will be put before Parliament as soon as time is available. Making the announcement, home office minister Mike O'Brien said: "Our licensing laws are outdated, complex and in need of a radical overhaul. These reforms should give the tourism industry a real boost." But the proposed changes were not welcomed by one of Britain's biggest pub chains. JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: "The Government is making a pig's ear of a simple task. "We will be publishing an alternative bill on Tuesday (8 May) that will retain the role of licensing with magistrates which we believe is quicker, cheaper and less bureaucratic." Local authorities already run part of the licensing system, mainly granting late-night alcohol permits to nightclubs. Martin said they were "very slow" in doing so. The Transport and General Workers' Union voiced concerns over the possible increase in violence caused by longer drinking hours. The union wants employers to give out personal attack alarms to staff and provide taxi fares home in areas where violence is prevalent.
