Trade split on licence fees

There has been a mixed reaction to news that the government could set new licence fees based on pub turnover and location.

While some licensees have reacted in disgust that under the new Licensing Bill fees could be banded according to rateable value, others have said as long as fees are less than they are now they will be happy.

Andrew Cunningham, head of alcohol and licensing at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said last week the proposed system would ensure small pubs pay less than larger ones.

Stuart Jordan, who runs the Escape Bar in central London, said: "As long as I'm paying less than I am now then I'm not bothered. Fees at the moment are far from fair, for a little bar in London I pay more than £2,000."

Richard Marshall-Duffield, who runs the F3K pub in London's West Kensington, said: "We certainly can't afford to pay any more otherwise we will have to pass the cost on to our customers and this will drive them away."

But some licensees haven't welcomed the announcement. Writing on this website, Michael Ratcliff said: "Another stealth tax! Doesn't this band of robbing MPs realise how much tax and revenue this trade generates for the exchequer?"

Ken Nason, another disgruntled licensee, wrote: "Yet another bit to be tagged on to what was supposed to be a simplification of our industry's legislation. It seems that every petty department and organisation wants to jump on our backs for their cut of our sweat and toil."