Entertainment & alcohol licensing

News: 24 Hour Licensing – success or otherwise?

  • Date: 04/03/2008
  • Author/Solicitor: Graeme Cushion

The Government has been carrying out a review analysising the impact of 24 hour licensing. It is not clear as yet whether it has actually been published but we will keep an eye on this and report fully as and when it formally appears. Different sources are saying today or tomorrow.

In the meantime it is understood that the main points of the review will be as follows:

  • The current licensing laws should remain as they are but with harsher enforcement in respect of underage sales.
  • Consumption of alcohol has reduced.
  • Latest figures suggest a reduction of 1% in overall crime but of 10% in violent crime since the introduction of the 2003 Licensing Act.
  • Since the introduction of the regime there has been a problem with alcohol fuelled violence between 3 and 6am.

    It is felt that binge drinking has not been reduced by the introduction of the new licensing laws. As a result of this the Prime Minister is already suggesting a "2 strikes and you're out" rule for off licences selling alcohol to those underage. There has also been mention of a new tougher system of red and yellow cards for use against landlords and shopkeepers found to be breaching the legislation. The yellow card would involve the imposition of conditions and the red revocation of the licence.

    Once again the availability of cheap alcohol from supermarkets has been highlighted as a major contributor to ongoing problems together with recognition that many young people are supplied with alcohol by their parents or other family members.

    A full analysis of the review will follow once it has been published.

    For further information, please contact Graeme Cushion