Mar 5th, 2012
by Maria Guida.
The Home Office has issued a consultation on measures to be introduced through Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) and the Late Night Levy regulations. This consultation presents an important opportunity for both licensees and members of the public to have their say on two measures introduced later this year by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.
With such significant changes to licensing law taking place in 2012 it is important for licensees to understand this new legislation and to take the opportunity to have an input into the development of these changes.
Oct 20th, 2010
by Maria Guida.
With the half term school holiday nearly at an end now, many of you will be returning from having hopped on a plane to enjoy some sun. Did you know that any airside venue at an international airport, selling an alcoholic drink to a person, who is already drunk, cannot be prosecuted (even for this most obvious breach of the licensing laws)?
This is because such venues enjoy immunity from the Licensing Act. Sussex Police recently carried out a “test purchasing” spree at Gatwick Airport and uncovered some sales to underage drinkers. Sadly for them, due to the fact that any bar, restaurant or pub selling alcohol on the airside of International Airports in England and Wales do not need a premises licence, they were unable to prosecute. Now Sussex Police are lobbying for change.
Sep 20th, 2010
by Maria Guida.
Following on from my last blog, All Change Again: Rebalancing The Licensing Act you might be concerned about when the Home Office is bringing in the changes to the Licensing Act? Don’t be (not just yet, anyway).
The Home Office recently confirmed that any proposed changes to the Licensing Act would not be brought into force until 2012. Just to recap, the proposals include:
- Overhauling the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licences from, or refuse to grant licences to premises that are causing problems
Jul 28th, 2010
by Maria Guida.
Theresa May, the Home Secretary has published a consultation paper today entitled, “Rebalancing the Licensing Act.” The consultation paper starts positvely, acknowledging licensed premises working with the police to reduce alcohol related harm and mentioning the acheivements of Business Improvement Districts and Best Bar None, but it then goes on to make suggestions for improving the licensing system, which will make most licensees’ toes curl.
The Licensing Act 2003 was consulted upon and took around five years to come into force. For this latest consultation, the response deadline is 8th September 2010 and the intention appears to be to legislate as soon as possible using the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Bill, which will be produced later this year.
