MPs fail in last-ditch bid to derail Licensing Act

by John Harrington

A bid to delay implementation of the Licensing Act has been defeated despite coming under fierce attack from opposition MPs this week.

The motion was rejected by 293 votes to 218, but ministers faced a two-hour grilling by MPs, who were determined to stop implementation weeks before the second appointed day.

Shadow culture secretary Theresa May, who led the onslaught, pointed to a recent 6% rise in violent crime due to alcohol.

She spoke of concern among the public - and senior policemen - that the legislation will lead to more violent crime and yobbery, which costs the country £12bn a year.

'I am not alone in thinking extending licensing hours, when we have an explosion of alcohol-related crime, is sheer lunacy,' May added.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell hit back, saying the Association of Chief Police Officers did not want implementation of the Act to be delayed.

And she said the current problem of disorder on the streets is precisely because there is a fixed closing hour. 'We know that the national curfew does not curb disorder but actually makes it worse,' she stressed.

Jowell also pointed out that police would have more powers to crack down on yobbish behaviour under the new Act. 'Make no mistake: from 24 November, yobs will answer for their behaviour in a way they've never experienced before.'

Pubs, clubs and supermarkets were also attacked for encouraging irresponsible drinking.

Several MPs pointed to recent comments by Dave Daly of the National Association of Licensed House Managers, which blamed pub operators for giving big bonuses to managers who sell more alcohol.

May also said the later opening of supermarkets would mean more under-age drinkers buying alcohol.

She added that the Act 'fails to provide a proper say for local communities'. She criticised the fact that only people 'in the vicinity of a venue' can object - and the definition of this is down to the local authority.

As a result, some people have been unable to object because they live 150 yards from a pub or nightclub.

MPs also criticised the Act for not allowing councillors to sit on licensing committees for applications about a venue in their ward.

And ministers attacked the 'chaos' of the licensing process during the late-night debate.

Conservative MP Malcolm Moss said the progress of legislation was 'late and badly prepared throughout'. 'In committee we had no regulations, no guidance, no fee structure and no clear idea of implementation,' he said.

Jowell spoke of the 'chaos, confusion and damage' that would be caused to pubs which already have a licence if the reform was delayed.

Licensing minister James Purnell said any issues about the cost of licences and the perceived lack of powers for councillors would be addressed in the review of the Act.

Purnell, who only became minister in May, was even asked if he would resign if violent crime and binge drinking does not decline after the Act is implemented. He replied: 'I have only just got here, so I am not planning to resign yet.'

Support for the Act:

Tessa Jowell: 'The fact is that binge drinking is a problem now. The Licensing Act forms part of the solution.'

James Purnell: 'If we delay the Act's implementation, we would not have the powers to deal with binge drinking and the costs placed on businesses would rise.'

Madeleine Moon: 'I find it incredible that, at this late stage, the opposition is objecting to an Act that will expand police powers, give local authorities additional powers to refuse licences and enable tougher action on under-age drinking.'

Wayne David: 'The new arrangement is an important step for democracy and the Government should be complimented. We should all have the courage of our convictions and acknowledge the Act will change attitudes and tackle binge drinking.'

Attacks on the Act:

Theresa May: 'The Bill does nothing to destroy the culture of excessive drinking. In fact, it encourages it.'

Don Foster: 'I know few people who are eagerly awaiting 24 November, with all the chaos that will then be created on our streets.'

Robert Goodwill: 'The changes to the licensing laws are all about making it easier for yobs to drink around the clock, while law-abiding small businesses and the people who use them are penalised and entangled in red tape.'

Nigel Evans: 'More people are drinking more alcohol at a younger age, and this change to the law will make matters worse. The Government has made a mistake. It is still not too late to change it but do it now.'