Legal advice: The Queen's Speech
By thePublican.com's team of legal experts at London solicitors Joelson Wilson.
On November 23, the Queen's Speech was delivered from the House of Lords, setting out the legislative agenda for next year.
You may have read in the national press about the proposed reform of public services and national security - central themes in next year's general election - and the Drugs Bill, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill, and the draft bill relating to ID cards.
However, other proposed bills will have implications, and potentially increased duties and burdens, for the pub industry:
- Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill
Local authorities and "others" will have more powers to tackle local environmental and "anti-social behaviour", including litter, waste (including fly-tipping), nuisance (night-time noise, insects and light pollution) and "nuisance alleyways". Local authorities will have enhanced powers to issue on-the-spot fines and pursue offenders.
Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Bill
Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise will be integrated to form a single new department - HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Disability Discrimination Bill
This will "extend rights and opportunities for disabled people" and build upon the measures laid out in the Disability Discrimination Act. The "definition of disability will also be extended, in effect, to cover those diagnosed with HIV, cancer and MS".
Road Safety Bill
Police will be given new powers to use roadside evidential breath-testing equipment.
For a list of the proposed bills, go to http://www.commonsleader.co.uk
Related articles:
ID cards confirmed in Queen's speech (23 November 2004)
