Licensing reform announced in Queen's Speech

Pub goers will be able to have a drink in a pub after 11pm for the first time since the first world war.

During the Queen's Speech today (November 13) the government confirmed its plans to make the biggest change in licensing laws for 90 years. It will allow flexible opening hours for pubs and will see responsibility for licensing move from magistrates to local authority control.

At the state opening of parliament the Queen said: "My government will bring forward legislation to streamline the licensing system for premises selling alcohol. This will abolish fixed opening hours and introduce a range of measures to reduce antisocial behaviour."

Mike Benner, head of campaigns and communications at the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "After years of campaigning we can finally look forward to longer opening hours for pubs which will boost tourism and help stamp out binge drinking through a more relaxed and responsible approach to enjoying alcohol."

John McNamara, Chief Executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: "Today's announcement is good news for our members, provided checks and balances are put in place to protect licensees from excessive costs and ensure the new system will benefit both consumers and businesses."

But Stuart Neame of Kent-brewer Shepherd Neame and the Kill the Bill campaigner still believes there is time to stop the bill. He said that the introduction of the bill into the House of Lords means there is "all to play for."

"This gives the Lords complete freedom to introduce whatever amendments they want, such as retention of control by magistrates," he said.

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