Pubs see "inflationary creep" from Licensing Act

The Licensing Act has seen a "huge inflationary creep" on costs for pubs, the latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group's Community Pubs Inquiry has been told.

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association, told MPs that excessive costs and the impact of fees had hit community pubs. He added: "It's not the Act itself but the peripheral impact.

"There is a huge inflationary creep going on. Licensees are being asked to pay more for things such as security. An appeal against decisions in magistrates' court which used to cost £25 now costs £400. Why?"

Also speaking was Sir Les Elton, chairman of the Department for Culture Media and Sport Fees Review Panel, who argued that local authorities had asked licensees for too much in terms of paperwork, fees and costs for such things as variations.

He said: "There has been administrative chaos as pubs have continued to act as best they could.

"The local authorities are handling the system within their overall budget and government should recognise this in its financial settlement with them."

Francis Patton, customer service director at Punch Taverns, said there needed to be a more pragmatic approach from local councils.

He added: "Some local authorities are actually shredding the paperwork that has been submitted by licensees because they don't have the space to file it.

"The message coming from licensees is loud and clear. If you want to move a fruit machine it will cost you thousands of pounds."