Howells outlines licensing reform plans

Licensing minister Dr Kim Howells has outlined his plans for licensing reform in a letter to the industry.

The letter addresses key points of concern raised by Enterprise Inns boss Ted Tuppen last month.

The primary concern for the industry was the level of power that will be wielded by local authorities under the proposals. There is also concern that licensees would end up paying increased fees, and footing the bill for late night services, transport and policing.

In his letter, Dr Howells said the reform bill would "represent a significant reduction in red tape" for publicans. And confirmed that he would be introducing national guidelines for local authorities, although he added that they would be able to depart from these if this was justified.

He also dismissed concern over costs, giving his "assurance that the average pub would enjoy savings from the implementation of our policy".

Speaking at a meeting in Parliament yesterday to discuss Dr Howell's response, Mr Tuppen said: "I am concerned that the broad principles of reform may be deliberately misinterpreted and abused by some maverick local councils.

"Westminster council provides a perfect local example of an authority whose decisions are often incomprehensible and whose fees and charges border on the fraudulent."

Mark Hastings, spokesman of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "The letter shows that engaging with government is reaping benefits and showing progress." But he confirmed that local authorities were "an area where the focus of concern has always laid and therefore where further discussions will focus".

Mr Tuppen also urged the trade to work together, criticising the campaign group set up to oppose the reform proposals by Stuart Neame of Kent brewer Shepherd Neame and Wetherspoon's Tim Martin.

He said: "The tiny minority in my industry who seek to kill this bill need to get down from their soap boxes of self interest and work with their colleagues."

But Mr Martin and Mr Neame are continuing to lobby against the bill, claiming it would lead to more red tape and escalating costs for licensees.

Want to know more about what was in Kim Howell's letter to Ted Tuppen? Click here to read the letter in full.

And how about Mr Tuppen's original letter to Dr Howells? Click here to read that letter in full.

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Licensing reform - without doubt, the topic of the moment. Take a look at some of the views of those in the trade.

Related articles:​

Pubs to be hit with cost of reform for 24-hour licensing (20 June 2002)

West Country licensees call for meeting with Tony Blair (20 June 2002)

Peaceful Jubilee bodes well for licensing reform (6 June 2002)

Relaxed hours put to the test during busiest week of the year (30 May 2002)

Reform campaigners put pen to paper (30 May 2002)