Pubs count cost of allowing children
by Andrew Sangster
The introduction of Children's Certificates, which was to have heralded a new era of family pubs in England and Wales, appears to be floundering.
Despite guidelines from the Home Office designed to prevent it, many magistrates are imposing burdensome conditions before granting licences, putting off most pubs from applying.
The North West Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, which counts most large pub retailers in the region among its members, said many licensees were holding back until the conditions being imposed were challenged in the courts.
Richard Daglish, secretary for the association, said: "The percentage of Children's Certificates granted against the total number of licensed pubs is very small."
A large pub company in the area had applied for 31 certificates and been granted just one. One application had been refused, 16 adjourned for a full hearing and 13 had been withdrawn.
Mr Daglish added that many magistrates had imposed conditions that would cost pubs thousands of pounds to comply with. "Licensing authorities are imposing their will on matters of common sense and commercial interest," he said.
An addendum to the policy document issued by the clerk to the justices in the Middleton and Heywood licensing district in Greater Manchester demonstrates the problems.
The statement sets out eight points defining what a suitable pub environment is. These include the provision of special children's toilets, no smoking in the family area, nappy-changing facilities, at least two high chairs and a children's menu.
The final point requires a notice, at least 4sq ft in size, which sets out all the conditions imposed and gives telephone numbers for the local licensing officer and the magistrates.
This example, said Mr Daglish, clearly showed that some magistrates were acting against Home Office guidelines, which state that any conditions set should not impose unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming burdens on licensees.
