Serve Legal Press
Hard-line licensing plans confirmed
20/05/2010
The plan, outlined in the new programme from the coalition Government, includes:
• Banning the sale of alcohol below cost price.
• Allowing councils and the police to shut down permanently any shop or bar found to be persistently selling alcohol to children.
• Reviewing alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries.
• Doubling the maximum fine for under-age alcohol sales to £20,000.
• Permitting local councils to charge more for late-night licences to pay for additional policing.
• Overhaul the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licences from, or refuse to grant licences to, any premises that are causing problems.
The ideas are based on those included in the Conservative's election manifesto.
Elsewhere, the new Government will “find find a practical way to make small business rate relief automatic”.
Having one-in-one-out rules and sunset clauses on new regulations are promised. Employment and workplace laws will be be reviewed to “maximise flexibility for both parties”.
Key Quotes
"News of two-strikes-and-your-out policies are rattling nerves"
The Publican
"Failing to ask for ID can put you out of business – but many retailers still take a chance"
Nigel Huddleston, Off Licence News
"We need a culture change about drinking, with everyone from parents, the alcohol industry and young people all taking more responsibility"
Ed Balls, Children’s Secretary