Licensing shake-up gets green light

Wednesday, 9 July 2003 12:00 AM

In a move which will reform laws described by the Government as "archaic", parliament has given the green light to a major shake- up of pub licensing laws.

Approved by both houses of Parliament, the Licensing Bill now awaits Royal Assent.

The Culture Secretary stated that licensed premises would soon be able to become more flexible in their opening hours.

Tessa Jowell stated: "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 It replaces an out-of-date mish-mash of legislation with a modern, accessible regime, responsive to the society it serves."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," she added.

The Licensing Bill will see pub licenses granted by local authorities rather than by magistrates, and local people will have the right of appeal against a decision if they feel the authority has not taken their views into account.

In an effort to clamp down on alcohol-related violence, police will be given new powers to close with immediate effect rowdy premises for a 24-hour period.

The Government states that it is keen to see traditional and amateur folk music flourish in British pubs, and to that end it has ruled that "incidental" music will be exempted from licensing. Licenses for live music will be granted free of charge to premises with a drink licence.

Following the extended opening times during last year's World Cup, the Secretary of State will have to power to grant special license for special international national and local occasions.

In addition, Welsh drinkers will be given the opportunity to buy alcohol every day of the week with the repeal of the Welsh Sunday Opening Polls.

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