Pubs could be forced to shut earlier under new licensing laws

Leading licensing lawyers have warned that pubs could be forced to shut earlier rather than open later under licensing reform.

Steven Reynolds and Anthony Lyons from Manchester solicitors Kult Steinart Levy expressed their concerns over details in the bill at the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Association's annual meeting last month.

Licensing expert Mr Reynolds told delegates that although the legislation was being introduced to allow pubs to open longer, giving local authorities "the reins" could have the opposite effect.

"As with anything the devil is always in the detail," he said. "The industry has been seduced by flexible hours, but it remains to be seen if this is what we will get.

"Although pubs have been told they will keep their grandfather rights and keep their existing hours, if there is a problem with disorder then local authorities will have greater power to come down heavy."

Changes to licensing laws will give councils greater powers to review licences if they feel that a pub has a particular problem with disorder, vandalism or noise. And under the reforms, licensees will have to inform local businesses and residents of any variations they wish to make to their licence.

Mr Reynolds said this will only serve to "stir-up trouble" and could make it easier for competitors to oppose changes that might damage their business.

But Tony Payne, chief executive of the FLVA, reassured delegates the association was still talking with the government on details of the bill to ensure that the licensed trade received the best deal possible.