Queen's Speech: how it affects pubs
A ban on the sale of below cost-alcohol and giving police and local authorities extra powers to deal with problem premises were two of the key policies affecting the pub trade announced in the Queen’s Speech today.
The Queen: outlined Government plans
The Government confirmed plans to "overhaul" the Licensing Act to give local authorities and police greater powers to remove licences from venues causing disorder.
The Government said the Bill would “overhaul of the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licenses from, or refuse to grant licenses to, any premises that are causing problems.
“Banning the sale of alcohol below cost price. Also allowing local councils to charge more for late-night licenses to pay for additional policing, giving them powers to shut down shops or bars persistently selling to children and doubling the maximum fine for selling to children to £20,000.”
However, critics would say that local authorities and police already have existing powers to deal with problem venues.
The coalition Government also confirmed plans to scrap National ID cards under the Identity Documents Bill and block the planned 1% rise in National Insurance contributions by employers.
Communities will also get the right to save local facilities, such as pubs, under the Decentralism and Localism Bill.
Scotland also looks set to cut the drink drive limit to 80 to 50 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, which could put people over the limit after one pint.
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