Longer hours for Royal Wedding 'will aid Olympics trade'

The outcome of the extended licensing hours for the on-trade during this month's royal wedding could have a positive knock-on effect for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics next year.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) plans to go to the Home Office "immediately" after the 29 April wedding to highlight the positive impact the 1am blanket licensing extension is likely to have on the trade.

"We would like them to take action well in advance so that businesses don't get caught out and start applying for temporary event notices, as happened in some cases for the royal wedding," said the ALMR's strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls.

Discussions on how to help the trade during the 2012 Olympics have also begun.

"We are in close discussion with people in the Mayor of London's office and Westminster about the Olympics," said Nicholls.

"We are also talking to the boroughs involved about licensing relaxations."

Nicholls said the major issue around the Olympics was ensuring that any proposed legislation was well thought through and did not adversely affect pubs' trading hours.

She is particularly worried about the implementation of the late-night levy and early morning restriction orders (EMROs), which could mean a blanket ban on late opening across entire districts and towns.

The new orders form part of the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Bill, now passing through Parliament, which aims to give new licensing powers to local councils and police.

But the wording of the Bill could see councils authorised to impose early closing on whole neighbourhoods instead of just the problem premises the EMROs are designed to punish.

Both bits of legislation could be implemented in spring/summer next year.

"It is hard to see how that wouldn't override the Diamond Jubilee," said Nicholls.

"Now's the time to draft legislation carefully with the jubilee in mind."

The ALMR is also consulting on street vending to ensure that venues are properly licensed with tables and chairs around the Olympic Games period.

"We want to make sure pubs play their part in

showcasing the best of British, which is what the Olympics should be all about," added Nicholls.