Trade to call for policy change at 30 councils

by Ewan Turney

The trade is writing to around 30 councils advising them to alter their licensing policies in the wake of the High Court ruling against Canterbury council.

Mr Justice Richards ruled that his decision against Canterbury was also applicable to the other councils whose licensing policies are under scrutiny. He said: 'It is sufficient that my judgement speaks for itself, not just to Canterbury, but also to the other licensing authorities whose policies are under examination.

Joint letters from the British Beer & Pub Association, BII and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers will be sent out this week. It is believed that West-minster, Kensington and Leeds are among the 30.

'We will be posting them a copy of the decision and basically asking them what they think about it, said BBPA director of pubs and leisure Martin Rawlings. 'It is too early after the decision for any changes to have been made but we are getting our lawyers geed up.

Rawlings said it was now too late for another major judicial review like the Canterbury case. 'However, if a company wanted to pursue an appeal through the magistrates we would support them, he added.

Meanwhile, pub operators have been slogging away with submitting applications as the 6 August nears. The Department for Culture Media & Sport said applications for a third of licences have now been submitted.

Cornish brewer and pub operator St Austell claimed to be the first company to have submitted premises and personal licences for all its 157 pubs.

'It has been fairly testing but we are very relieved to have the main job done, said St Austell's estate director Adam Luck. 'It's not over yet as we have to deal with amendments and queries.

St Austell also claimed to be the first operator to lodge an appeal.

Punch said 90% of its tenants had taken up its offer of a support package. This involves help from the business relationship managers in filling out and submitting forms, as well as financial assistance.