Guest LB Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Licensing law shake-up completeThe modernisation of England and Wales' archaic licensing laws has been given the go-ahead by Parliament. This paves the way for delivery of the Government's promise to provide for flexible pub licensing hours.Key points of the Bill are:Flexible opening hours - This will give people more freedom and choice while helping minimise public disorder resulting from artificially fixed closing times, encouraging a more civilised culture in pubs, bars and restaurants. Tough measures to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder - Including new police powers to close licensed premises without notice for up to 24 hours where disorder is occurring, in order to protect the public and prevent further disorder. Strengthened protection for children - This will provide a clarification of the often misunderstood laws relating to children and alcohol. Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult to enter pubs. The legal age for drinking alcohol on licensed premises and for buying it there will remain at 18. A greater say for the public - Licences will be granted by electorally accountable licensing authorities, instead of magistrates, and local residents can make representations and have them taken into account in deciding applications. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said:"This Bill will give the responsible majority of people more freedom and choice about how they spend their leisure time. It replaces an out-of-date, mish-mash of legislation with a modern, accessible regime, responsive to the society it serves."It balances liberalisation and deregulation with new levels of protection for local residents and communities."Having been approved by both Houses of Parliament, the Licensing Bill will now go forward for Royal Assent, after which it will become law.Following Royal Assent, there will be a transitional period to enable switch over from the current licensing system to the new regime, expected to be in effect by early 2005. This will enable licensing authorities and the industry to put measures in place before the new regime takes effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popeye Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Oh dear, the end of illegal lock-ins B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 Sounds O.K. to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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