Parliament is free to tackle licensing, says Howells
The Government has pledged to renew efforts to speed licensing reform through Parliament after freeing up the legislative timetable.
Dr Kim Howells, minister responsible for licensing, told thePublican.com earlier this week that anti-terrorism bills had taken less time than expected to pass through the House of Commons, leaving ministers with more time to look at other areas, including licensing.
He added that the positive response to the extended opening hours enjoyed by licensees over New Year had also helped push the reforms to the front of the pile.
He said: "The trade has every right to feel angry [that a bill was not included in the last Parliamentary session] but licensing reform is one of two major bills this department hopes to get through.
"Everyone thought Parliament would be swamped with terrorist legislation but it passed through very quickly. It's a good indication that we might get something through."
He added: "The fact that there was no trouble on New Year's Eve will definitely help - the relaxation of licensed hours diluted any potential problems.
"Fights don't happen in the pub, they happen at the taxi rank or the burger bar and the fact that people were going home at different times meant that the night passed without any real problems. It proved the rational and thinking behind the abolition of set drinking hours."
Licensee Brian Rees, past-chairman of the Guild of Master Victuallers, said: "We look forward to licensing reform as early as possible and we hope that ministers do listen to the comments of the Guild and other associations. We have had very positive feedback on New Year."
The trade has pledged to keep up pressure on the Government to include the licensing bill in this year's Queen's Speech.
Mark Hastings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "The results of the extended hours this New Year reinforce strongly the message we have put forward that flexibility reduces the problems associated with drinking.
"We are continuing to work on fleshing out the details of what the industry wants from licensing reform to ensure the legislation meets the needs of the industry and we are continuing to press the Government for its earliest possible introduction."
