Trade joins debate at GLA's second 24-hour licensing consultation meeting

The second meeting of the Greater London Authority's 24-hour licensing consultation took place today (July 3). This time the trade was able to put its views forward, with Martin Rawlings of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and Nick Bish from the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers joining the debate.

The consultation is aimed at encouraging the trade, police, councillors and residents to discuss a workable plan for 24-hour licensing.

Speaking at the meeting, Andy Trotter, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, said that under a 24-hour licensing regime there would need to be a plan "to take into account saturation, transport, rubbish and urinals".

He argued that funding of these public services by the pub industry "should be considered" although he admitted that was "not a panacea and not an answer".

Mr Rawlings argued that the trade already pays substantial business rates and said: "You can't carry on taking money out of the industry and expect it to survive."

He also said that a lack of planning by Westminster Council had led to the current late-night situation in the West-End.

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