Government launches consultation on proposals which align pubs with 'crack houses'
The PMA reported in May that pubs are to be “treated like crack houses” under the proposals which are aimed at tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour across the UK.
A new Community Protection Order (CPO) will see Section 161 Closure Notices (which allow police to close pubs for up to 24 hours after a public disorder incident), merged with local authority temporary closures for noise nuisance, Crack House Order Closure Orders, and Antisocial Behaviour Premises Closure Orders.
A Closure Notice can be issued when the Police or Local Authority reasonably believes that there is, or is likely soon to be, a public nuisance or there is, or is likely imminently to be, disorder in the vicinity of, and related to the premises.
The closure notice cannot prohibit access to the property in relation to any person who lives there or the owner of the property and can be issued for a maximum of 24 hours unless there is sign off at superintendent level (if it is a police issued notice) or chief executive level (if it is a local authority issued notice) in which case it may be issued for a maximum of 48 hours (or extended to a maximum of 48 hours).
The ‘Community Remedy’ consultation also seeks views on proposals to introduce legislation allowing police and crime commissioners (PCCs), or the relevant local policing body, to give victims of low-level crime (such as low-level criminal damage and low-value thefts) and antisocial behaviour a say in the punishment of the offender.
Licensees have until 7 March to respond to the consultation which is available on the Home Office website.
