PM 'to review' 24-hour licensing
Gordon Brown is planning to review Britain's 24-hour licensing laws but the British Beer and Pub Association says a review has always been on the cards and it welcomes the move.
The Prime Minister has announced he is preparing to look at the impact of the relaxation in November 2005 of the licensing laws.
Considering all the data showing declines in binge drinking, alcohol misuse and violent crime, such a review is an opportunity to highlight the positives of our tradeMark Hastings, BBPA.
He told his first monthly press conference at Downing Street that the change in the law had prompted very strong views and it was right to look at the evidence.
His remarks have prompted speculation that a U-turn was on the cards.
According to the Times, aides said that Mr Brown would be looking at the results and carrying out a more formal consultation with local authorities and police in the areas reported to have been badly affected by the changes.
One is quoted as saying: "He does not come at this with the view that something must be changed, but he thinks it is right for ministers to take a serious look at all the evidence when it comes in.
"He wants to examine in an objective way all the evidence. People will form a view but it will be evidence-based."
However, Mark Hastings, director of communications at the BBPA, said: "The comment about a review of licensing made by Gordon Brown is not new.
"It was first announced more than two years ago and has always been part of the process of evaluating the Licensing Act.
"Some elements have been under review since the implementation of the Act. We welcomed the review at the time and see no reason to change our minds now.
"Considering all the data showing declines in binge drinking, alcohol misuse and violent crime and improvements in the atmosphere of the night time economy, such a review is an opportunity to highlight the positives of our trade."
