Pub licence reviews and extended opening hours on the rise
There has been a marked increase in the number of licensed operators extending their opening hours and entertainment offering, but licence reviews are also on the rise, Government figures reveal.
The 2009 Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing statistics show that 81,100 licences for late-night refreshment were in force in the year to March 2009, a 5% rise on the previous 12 months (77,100).
There was also a 4% rise in the number of premises with regulated entertainment in their licence, from 113,500 to 117,800, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport report says.
Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe said he was encouraged that "more licensees are widening their customer appeal by putting on live music, serving hot food late at night or making use of flexible licensing hours".
But there were also 1,125 licence reviews in the period, up from 1,000 on the previous year, with 150 revoked and 170 suspended. A further 190 operators had to modify their opening hours, while other conditions were added at 740 sites.
Sutcliffe said: "I am pleased to see that the tough enforcement powers that currently exist within the Licensing Act are being used. More residents, environmental health and police officers are raising objections about problem premises in their areas."
Alcohol consumption falls by fastest rate in 60 years >>
Politicians pick on licensing laws in run-up to elections >>
Nottingham to become first city to ban street drinking >>
Industry welcomes shelving of controversial anti-binge drinking laws >>
Police given powers to ban troublesome drinkers from pubs and bars >>
By Daniel Thomas
E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next pub job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
|
