Plan for councils to shut and seal pubs
Councils and police will get new powers to close problem pubs for almost half a year under latest Government plans to fight antisocial behaviour.
The Home Office this week released more details of the new "shut and seal" powers to be included in the up- coming Criminal Justice Bill. However, critics say powers to shut rogue premises are already available to police and local authorities.
We have a lot of legislation to deal with disruption of this kind, and I don't know why we need additional powers against licensed premises MA legal editor Peter Coulson.
For the first time, councils - not just police - would be able to seek court permission to "seal the property of problem residents who persistently torment their neighbours".
These powers would apply to pubs.
Venues subject to a "premises closure order" can be closed for up to 12 weeks initially, with an option to extend it by a further 12 weeks in exceptional circumstances.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "I have heard from people living in areas affected by antisocial behaviour about the devastating impact just one property can have on a whole neighbourhood, and I want to ensure that police and local authorities have the power to deal with it."
However, MA legal editor Peter Coulson pointed out that police already have the power to close problem premises for up to 48 hours, which can be extended at magistrates court. In addition, councils have the power to revoke licences.
Coulson said: "If I were a local authority I wouldn't use these new powers. We have a lot of legislation to deal with disruption of this kind, and I don't know why we need additional powers against licensed premises."
A publication date for the Criminal Justice Bill has not been set.
