Publicans lack interest in Licensing Act, claims LA chief

Licensees across the country have been slammed for failing to take the new Licensing Act seriously.

Patrick Crowley, a leading local authority chief, has accused licensees of showing a "distinct lack of interest" and claims their failure to get involved with local authorities will be to the detriment of the trade.

"I am very aware that within the licensed trade there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in this new system and I feel that I am banging my head against a locked door," he said at the British Institute of Innkeeping's Licensing Act conference in Warwick this week.

"When local authorities come to consult on the content of their draft policies this will be the chance for the licensed trade to influence how we will act in the future," he said.

"I strongly recommend that you all take this opportunity and encourage your colleagues to also get involved."

Mr Crowley, the head of licensing for Kensington and Chelsea and the vice chairman of the body responsible for advising local authorities on the new licensing regime, called a meeting for all 1,200 licensees in his borough to discuss the act - but just 49 turned up.

His views do not come as a surprise. Last year's Publican Market Report showed that only 30 per cent of licensees had faith in local authorities taking control of licensing.

They fear authorities will be influenced by personal and party politics and place undue emphasis on residents' opinions.

The government has been criticised for passing the act before publishing a clear set of guidelines to aid licensees.

Nicholas Whelan of the Albion in Hove, East Sussex, said: "A lot of publicans don't know much about what is going to happen.

"Hopefully it will all fall into place, if the government gets round to telling us what is going to happen one day soon."

Trade associations have called on licensees to get involved with local authorities.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "A lot of licensees don't think the change is going to happen.

"We are getting the message across to our members, but it's difficult, especially as no-one is sure exactly how the new act is going to affect them yet."

John McNamara, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), said: "The vital thing is to get the information out there and make people aware that they need to do something.

"We definitely need to get more people from the trade involved at a local level. It is still very early for licensees but they do need to get in touch with local authorities and start the partnership going."

Bill Sharp, of the Guild of Master Victuallers, said: "A lot of people are taking the attitude that there is no interest, but until the national guidance is finalised there is not much we can do.

"The main thing that licensees can do is to keep a line of communication open with their trade association, and listen to the advice we give."

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