Legal advice: Licensing act review
In a heavily spun release, the figures show that there are a total of 176,400 premises in England and Wales licensed under the Act, of which 122,900 sell alcohol.
Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe quoted the low number of premises (5,100) licensed to sell alcohol 24 hours a day. Of these, 65 per cent are hotel bars, 18 per cent supermarkets and nine per cent pubs and clubs. He also pointed to the figures on reviews as evidence of the powers the law has given residents and police to 'raise an objection about a nuisance bar at any time', and claimed these powers are having 'an effect'.
During the 12 months to March 31, 2007, there have been 670 completed reviews, resulting in the licence being revoked in 90 cases and suspended for up to three months in 91 cases.
In a further 110 cases, premises were forced to change their operating hours, and a further 390 were forced to accept amendments to the conditions on the licence.
On our calculations (and assuming all the premises reviewed sell alcohol), this means a little over 0.5 per cent have had their licence reviewed. Revocation has occurred for only 0.07 per cent, although for 0.3 per cent, a review has resulted in additional conditions being placed on the licence. Of course, the industry must remain vigilant - but we would suggest these figures show the overwhelming majority are getting it right.
Happy Christmas, one and all! See you in 2008.
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Joelson Wilson & Co specialise in all aspects of legal work covering liquor, entertainment, betting and gaming. The firm also offers advice on litigious matters, acquisitions and disposals and management agreements. The views expressed are given without any assumption of responsibility.
