Councils demand 'total control' of licensing

Councils should be given "total control" over setting licensing hours in their area, says a group representing local authorities in London.

London Councils says the Government's latest plan to let councils ban alcohol sales after 3am doesn't go far enough.

The lobby group criticised the "one-size-fits-all" approach and wants councils to develop "local solutions to local problems".

London Councils' new Manifesto for Londoners said boroughs should get "total control over setting boundaries over the extent and scale of late night drinking in their areas".

The group wants it to be "up to people in..communities to decide what types of establishments are sited where, and how many are concentrated together.

"Licensing laws are currently so tightly controlled by national guidance that Londoners are powerless to protect the atmosphere of their public places."

The Manifesto is also calling for regulation on licensing public places to be re-written to define 'classes of public places' - this would mean that lap dancing clubs are not classed with pubs and cafes as is currently the case.

Councils would then be able to apply appropriate conditions and controls on lap dancing clubs and local people would be given a greater say on whether these clubs should open in their areas.

Chairman of London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, councillor Mike Fisher, said: "London is a diverse city and whether you fancy a nice meal, dancing the night away or just a quiet drink - there is something for everyone's taste.

"Boroughs listen to the needs of local communities and know what works best in their particular areas. Bringing control of licensing down to a local level will strike a balance and allow people to enjoy themselves without spoiling it for others".