Councils want to see the back of ADZs

Licensing chiefs have welcomed proposals to ditch unpopular Alcohol Disorder Zones (ADZs).

In a survey of its members the Institute of Licensing (IOL) discovered that 79 per cent want the zones replaced with a system that would allow them to adjust licensing fees to pay for extra policing.

Since Labour introduced the zones - designed to make venues in busy areas pay for extra policing - none have been imposed by councils.

Instead, as part of its licensing overhaul the coalition plans to introduce taxes on venues that stay open late.

Members of the IOL - which primarily represents local authority licensing teams and other departments, lawyers and police - said they preferred the new 'late-night levy' scheme.

In the survey, which formed part of the IOL's response to the Home Office consultation on the plans, members also wanted tougher action on underage sales.

A total of 80 per cent called for automatic licence reviews following persistent underage sales and 79 per cent wanted 'tougher sentences' for persistent offenders.

Members were also broadly in favour (67 per cent) of giving residents more say in a premises application, irrespective of where they live in relation to a pub.

However a debate the IOLs recent AGM around 90 licensing chiefs rejected parts of the government's plans.

This included increasing the relevance of police complaints on licensing matters and seeking views on making health a licensing objective.

IOL executive officer Sue Towler said: "It was an interesting debate with issues and areas of concern around the plans prompting a mutual response shared by all those present."