Queen heralds licensing law shake-up
The long-awaited liberalisation of the antiquated licensing laws in England and Wales is finally to become a reality, it was confirmed today.
In her speech at the state opening of Parliament the Queen stated: "My Government will bring forward legislation to streamline the licensing system for premises selling alcohol.
"This will abolish fixed opening hours and introduce a range of measures to reduce anti-social behaviour."
The bill will get its first reading in the House of Lords on Thursday, with a second reading scheduled for the end of November. It should become law by next summer.
The move has been generally welcomed by the pub and hospitality trade, although there are some concerns over the details.
Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "We want to see licensing law reform with the flexibility, modernisation and the boost to tourism that goes with it.
"A change in the law is long overdue and would bring England and Wales into line not only with other countries of continental Europe, but also with Scotland."
But he added: "There are naturally key elements of the proposed reform, where details have yet to be made public, about which there is potential cause for serious concern."
The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) supports the relaxation of licensing hours and rejects the notion that it could lead to increased violence.
Chief executive John McNamara said: "Today's announcement is good news for our members provided checks and balances are put in place to protect licensees from excessive costs and ensure that the new system will benefit both consumers and businesses."
The British Hospitality Association also backs the bill, but is concerned about increased bureaucracy. "The potential for mismanagement of the process is enormous unless it is very clearly thought out," said deputy chief executive Martin Couchman.
Some high-profile pub owners, such as Tim Martin of JD Wetherspoon, are concerned about the proposed switch in the power to grant licenses away from magistrates to local councils.
And Stuart Neame, vice-chairman of brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame, has even been campaigning to "kill the bill".
He claims the new licensing system will lead to a huge increase in costs and bureaucracy and believes longer opening hours could add £250m a year to the industry's wage bill, leading to the closure of many smaller, community pubs.
"Disaster looms like a doomed Zeppelin," Neame said.
The Government claims the new system will cut red tape.
To combat violence and anti-social behaviour it will give local residents "a powerful voice in the licensing process".
Police will be given powers to close any licensed premises without notice for up to 24 hours where disorder or noise nuisance is occurring.
