Government denies reports of U-turn over licensing

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has branded reports it has performed a "U-turn" over the Licensing Act as "nonsense".

Several national newspapers said that the revised guidance on the Act meant that the government would be making it harder for pubs to open later.

The Times newspaper claimed the DCMS was changing its guidance to councils by spelling out that there is "no general presumption in favour of lengthening licensing hours".

But a DCMS spokeswoman said: "To claim there has been a U-turn or change in policy with regards to pub opening hours is nonsense.

"The guidance on the Licensing Act has always stated that the objectives of the new laws, including the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, are paramount considerations at all times in licensing decisions.

"There should be no presumption in favour of longer hours above these key objectives of the legislation."

She added that the guidance contained nothing new. "Tessa Jowell set this out in a letter to local authorities in Sept 2005," the spokeswoman said. "The revised guidance merely restates this fact."

The guidance was published on January 25, with a consultation on the review launched simultaneously. The review was based on the findings of 10 scrutiny councils.

Commenting on the guidance, licensing minister Shaun Woodward said: "There is nearly always a need for some clarification as new legislation beds in. It aims to help local authorities ensure the Act is being effectively delivered where it matters - out there in our towns and cities."

Mark Hastings, the British Beer & Pub Association's communications director, said: "This is a triumph of spin over substance. Hours don't exist as a concept now so there can be no presumption one way or the other. Each case is taken on its merits."