MP leading new probe slates Licensing Act

By John Harrington

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Licensing act Binge drinking Beer Drinking culture

Whittingdale: Licensing Act has not cut costs or red tape
Whittingdale: Licensing Act has not cut costs or red tape
The Licensing Act has failed in its aim of cutting costs and red tape for licensees — that's the initial view of the MP heading a new probe into...

The Licensing Act has failed in its aim of cutting costs and red tape for licensees — that's the initial view of the MP heading a new probe into the reform.

John Whittingdale, chairman of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, spoke exclusively to the MA about the upcoming inquiry into the Act.

The Tory MP for Maldon and East Chelmsford in Essex — who was the Conservative culture spokesman when the Licensing Bill passed through Parliament — said "a number of concerns had been expressed" about licensing reform.

This includes concerns from the pub trade and other groups such as the Musicians' Union, which believes reform has hit live music in small venues.

He added: "There's anxiety about binge drinking, alcohol-related crime and violence, and we thought it was only right we should take evidence and look at it.

"I've been talking to [British Beer & Pub Association chief executive] Rob Hayward, for instance, about the number of pubs that are still closing.

"I represent a largely rural constituency. In a number of rural communities the pub plays a very important part and the laws have had a damaging effect. There's no question pubs do complain about the extra burden and costs created by the Licensing Act.

"A lot of claims were made for the act and my experience is that, if anything, the reverse has happened."

He predicted the committee's report will be released in the New Year.

"A select committee report carries with it certain weight," he added.

"It's an all-party committee with a Labour majority so Government will pay particular attention, and the Government is required to produce a response.

Related topics Licensing law

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more