CCFON calls for response on Licensing Consultation

The Home Office has launched a consultation on the Licensing Act which is open to the public. The Government is planning to rebalance the current licensing regime in order to give more power to local authorities and the local community in order to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder. This is a great opportunity to share your views with the Government.

The proposals include:

• Giving the local authorities and police stronger powers to remove licences from premises that are causing problems;

• Allowing Councils and the police to permanently shut down any shop/bar found repeatedly selling alcohol to minors;
• Doubling the maximum fine for those caught selling alcohol to minors to £20,000;
• Allowing local Councils to charge more for late-night licences, which will help pay for additional policing; and
• Banning the sale of alcohol below cost price.

We welcome the rebalancing of the Licensing Act to help combat the 24 hour drinking culture and we make the following comments in our response:

• We ask the Government to take measures to amend the licensing regime so that it is far easier for local communities to be involved and their concerns taken seriously.
• We propose that licenses for lap dancing and sex shops should no longer come under the Licensing Act but under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (LGMP) 1982 as this would give local people a greater say in the licensing of these establishments.

The consultation can be found here and responded to online here.

Alternatively you can read the full consultation document here and reply via e-mail or post to:

Alcohol Strategy Unit, Home Office, 4th Floor, Fry Building, 2 Marshall Street, London SW1P 4DF. Email: Alcohol.consultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

The Closing date is 8 September 2010.