Rebel MPs bid to obstruct licensing bill
Local authorities could be granted sweeping powers to refuse licence applications if a group of rebel MPs get their way in Parliament.
The government could face a backbench rebellion over the new licensing bill from a group of MPs led by former health secretary and MP Frank Dobson, who believes longer opening hours will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and violence.
The fear is that Mr Dobson, who is rumoured to have the backing of 25 all-party MPs, could force public opinion against the bill. This could result in amendments to the bill giving local authorities the power to turn down applications if they decide an area has too many bars and restaurants.
Mr Dobson told a national newspaper at the weekend: "Local authorities should be able to turn down booze and entertainment licences on the grounds that an area or neighbourhood has got enough or more than enough already. That's because they can be major source of nuisance and disorder."
Trade organisations have hit back against disorder claims arguing that flexible and staggered opening times will bring a drop in crime and disorder.
Chief Executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping John McNamara said: "Far from adding to the problems of violence and disorder, we believe that staggered closing will help curb alcohol-related crime and discourage the so-called yob-culture hat has sprung up in the UK."
Robert Humphreys, spokesman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, thinks that any problems with planning in a borough should be dealt with by the planning committee and not those dealing directly with licensing.
"The Beer Group is in broad agreement that local authorities should have the right to decide how pubs should be distributed.
"But if the planning procedure is wrong then change it. Determining whether there are too many licences is not the responsibility of the licensing committee."
Mark Hastings, from the British Beer and Pub Association agreed. He said: "Local authorities already have the power that Frank Dobson is looking for under planning laws. Planning is where they are best served to change this issue."
Related articles:
MPs could give councils more power under licensing reform (5 November 2002)
