The changes new licensing laws will bring and when

Changes to come

• Currently all pubs are required to shut at 11pm and would need to have a licence for music or food in order to serve alcohol any later. Under the new regime pubs and licensed premises will be able to apply for later opening without having to offer food or music.
• Local authorities will have control of all licensing by 2004. Magistrates currently have power to grant liquor licences while local authorities have control of late-night public entertainment licences.
• A dual licensing system with both personal and premises licences required. A personal licence holder will not be required to be on the premises at all times. A premises licence can be held by either a licensee or pub owner.
• The system will make sure local authorities follow strict guidelines.
• Licensing fees will be set by the government centrally to ensure consistency.
• Children will be allowed to go into pubs without an adult, at the licensee's discretion, but the minimum age for drinking will be strengthened to 18.

Timeline:​

• November 2002​ - the Licensing Bill should be published by the end of this month
• July 2003​ - Royal Assent is expected to be received and guidance notes published to accompany the Bill
• January 2004​ - the presumed deadline for licensees to submit forms to local authorities registering their existing licences and conditions. But there is no need to reapply and they can fill out another form requesting changes to their licence, such as extended hours
• Mid-summer 2004​ - the expected transitional period of 12 months will be finished and the new Bill should replace all existing licensing legislative controls.

Related articles:​

Reaction from the industry to licensing reform announcement (14 November 2002)

Public opinion on announcement of relaxed licening laws (14 November 2002)

Licensing reform announced in Queen's Speech (13 November 2002)

Vote!​

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