Gov plan to streamline licensing
Government has published details of its plan to simplify the process of varying licences for pubs.
Pubs will not need to amend a licence, or acquire a new one, if the changes are "minor", which is defined as a change that would "not impact adversely on the promotion of the licensing objectives".
The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) said businesses could save between £1.5m and £2.8m per year if the changes take place - the average cost of a variation, including fees, is about £610.
Around 30% of applications to vary licences are for small changes, DCMS said.
The consultation proposes three options:
• Give local councils the discretion to decide if a change is insignificant enough to qualify as minor (Government's preferred option).
• Prescribe what is a minor variation on the face of the Act, taking away councils' discretion.
• Do nothing.
The planned changes form part of the DCMS "simplification plan" to streamline the licensing process.
Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "After two years it has become evident that it is not necessary for a premise to go through the full variation process if they are only making a small change, such as minor refurbishment.
"Local councils who are familiar with local licensed premises should have the discretion to decide when a variation is so insignificant that it's not necessary to go through the full variation process.
"If the public agrees, this deregulatory change could save business up to £2.8 million a year."
The consultation can be found here. It closes on 20 February.
