Trade urged to sign-up to Home Office licensing events

Publicans are being encouraged to attend one of the five consultation sessions around plans to "re-balance" the licensing regime.

Invitations for the sessions have been sent out and the Home Office is warning prospective attendees places will be limited.

Each event includes a morning and afternoon session, with a 50-person capacity at each session.

"It's important that the trade's voice is heard at all of these consultations and licensees, particularly those located in the designated towns, really should do all they can to get along to one of the sessions," said Lee Le Clerq, the British Beer & Pub Association's north of England secretary.

"It's worth noting that every seat not occupied by a licensee will be taken by a health professional or a police officer who will tell the Home Office exactly how your pub should be run."

The dates for the events are:

August 2 - London, Department for Education Sanctuary Buildings, Westminster

August 9 - Newcastle, Government Office for the North East, Gallowgate, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

August 13 - Blackpool, Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road

August 17 - Birmingham, Government Office for the West Midlands

August 19 - Cardiff, Park Inn, Cardiff city centre

Concerns have been raised the coalition is rushing through the reforms, as the consultation will only last week six weeks. The invitation for the events says: "Please accept our apologies for the lateness of these invitations and the short notice about the workshops."

Licensees wanting to try to reserve a place at an event should email: cpgcommunications@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk