New licensing minister: 'No agenda to penalise pubs'

The newly-appointed licensing minister has said there is no government agenda to punish pubs and that they are "part of the solution" to dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour.

The coalition government's John Penrose was speaking during a meet-and-greet session with members of the trade press today.

Penrose, whose remit as minister for tourism and heritage covers licensing, explained that responsibility for pubs would be shared between the Home Office and his department.

"The partnership between us and the Home Office is because of the issues around licensing but I do not think you will find there is any agenda for the Home Office to penalise well-run pubs and clubs.

"I hope it would not be necessary (for the two departments) to go into battle. There is a real issue about anti-social behaviour and the Home Office is looking at that, but I don't think we have to clamp down on the rest of the industry."

He added: "In our view, responsibly, well-run pubs are part of the solution rather than being part of the problem."

The Tory also said pubs would be set to benefit from the coalition government's bid to cut red tape and to deregulate.

"The fact is there is no money so we have got to do as much as we can with zero budget.

"Deregulation doesn't take vast investment at seed but it will make a huge difference," he said.

The meeting also heard how plans to overhaul the Licensing Act were currently with the Home Secretary Theresa May.

There is as yet no deadline for the progression of the plans but they are likely to focus on extending powers of local authorities in dealing with problem premises and issues of selling alcohol to children.

Penrose also said that his job as tourism minister would include promoting pubs as a reason to come to the UK.

"I think the pub is a brilliant reason for foreign tourists to visit," he said.