Act won't make late events easier

Related tags Middle east License Government

Much play was made by the Government at the beginning of this licensing revolution of the benefits to be gained from the abolition of permitted...

Much play was made by the Government at the beginning of this licensing revolution of the benefits to be gained from the abolition of permitted hours. But as time passes and one reads the various pronouncements of the police and local councils, it is clear that freedom is the last thing on their minds.

As things stand at present, there are ways of running a late event, but most of them require special permission. I have been contacted by a reader who runs a community pub, so he knows his regulars well. One of them is leaving shortly to take up a new job in the Middle East. He is entertaining friends and colleagues at a party at his local club. Then he wants to bring some of the regulars who live close by back for a final drink, which may be after normal closing. He wants to know if it would be legal for him to pay for their drinks, rather than spoil their evening or break the law.

There are two ways in which this party could be run legally under the current system. The first is, as he suggests, if this party of people can be entertained as "private friends". If they are all known to the licensee and this is a special occasion for them, he may allow them in after hours and may supply them with (free) drinks, on the understanding that no money changes hands, either at the time or later.

The second is if he applies to the local magistrates for a special order of exemption, to add to the permitted hours on that day. This extension will only be granted if the bench thinks that the event is special "in the local or national sense". They sometimes have a rather rigid system of deciding this, which may rule out a party of this kind. But it may be worth a go.

An important final point: he should let the local police know it is happening. This will prevent the potential embarrassment of a police "raid" in the middle of the celebrations, because they suspect after-hours drinking. How this will be covered under the new law is still shrouded in mystery.

The only "extension" available is a temporary event notice. It is hoped that most licensees will have revised their hours late enough to cover such events taking place. We shall have to see.

Related topics Events & Occasions

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more