Government accused of "headline-grabbing" over new closure powers

The government has been accused of "headline-grabbing" over an announcement on new powers to clampdown on problem venues, including pubs.

Home Secretary John Reid announced the fresh "shut and seal" measures during a speech at the annual Police Federation conference in Blackpool yesterday, sparking press reports of a clampdown on pubs.

The powers are set to form part of a criminal justice bill, which will be introduced in the next few weeks. They will include "widening existing premises closure powers for the police to premises where there is persistent excessive noise, rowdy behaviour, or where residents threaten their neighbours".

A spokeswoman for the Home Office confirmed that this could include pubs.

She said: "If there is persistent anti-social behaviour, the police will close down the premises. This is a measure of last resort which would allow the police to apply to the courts to close and seal such premises for a set period, regardless of tenure."

However, the pub trade has hit out at the new measures.

Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "This is a case of the government chasing headlines by re-announcing existing powers. The police already have extensive powers to take precisely these type of measures against problem pubs under the Licensing Act."?

Anita Adams, licensee at the Golden Slipper in York, said: "The police have always had the powers, but they do not seem to use them. This is just a diversionary, knee-jerk reaction by the government."

James Hilton, licensee at the Horseshoe in Matlock, Derbyshire, said: "It's getting ridiculous the amount of regulation that is being placed on licensees now. We are scapegoats all the time because we are a soft target."

Pubs also face the threat of Alcohol Disorder Zones, which could be in place as early as October.