Warning over Police and Crime Commissioners 'politicising' licensing

He was speaking in response to Lancashire’s deputy PCC Ibrahim Master’s talk at the British Beer and Pub Association's Key Issues Forum.

PCCs were elected in November 2012 and are tasked with cutting crime and delivering an “effective and efficient police service in their force area”.

“I have to say I have some misgivings about the role of police and crime commissioners, particularly in relation to the licensed and retail sector.

“My worry is the police and crime commissioners’ further politicise the policing of licensing locally.

“The Licensing Act 2003 moved licensing from courts to councils and as a result it became a political football locally and that kicked up to becoming a political football nationally. The trade has suffered grievously as a result.

“It seems to me that licensing, alcohol and the night-time economy is a cheap political score for a police and crime commissioner who wants to earn brownie points just before an election and I worry that we will be the whipping boy for that kind of campaign.”

Master replied that he, too, had similar concerns before he took on the role. He explained that the governance of the role will mean that it will be difficult for PCCs to politicise policing.

“Ultimately the electorate will hold the PCC to account; and the police and crime panel will also hold the PCC to account,” said Master.

“If after three-and-a-half years the public feel that he has politicised policing and that he has not performed well, they will have the choice of not voting for him. I think that’s the biggest checks and measure that you can have in any sort of governance.”

In his presentation, Master said that it is “imperative” to work in partnership to reduce alcohol-related harm. “In Lancashire, strategic meetings take place with the industry through responsible alcohol retailing partnership,” said Master.

“This provides means to engage on a national and regional level and encourages the alignment of differing agendas to achieve a common aim of responsible retailing and a safe drinking culture.”

This was welcomed by Chase and other delegates.