Norman Baker: We listened to the pub industry on personal licences

My work at the Home Office, however, has shown me some of the worst effects alcohol can have on society.

That is why we are taking a range of action to cut the £11bn a year cost of drink-fuelled crime and disorder in England, including banning the worst cases of cheap and harmful alcohol sales.

Responsible​

But the coalition government is not just focused on fighting crime, we are keen to help responsible businesses by cutting red tape too.

That was why we asked for ideas on slashing unnecessary bureaucracy when consulting on the Alcohol Strategy last year.

Some thought there was room for improvement in the personal licences system brought in as part of the Licensing Act 2003. It was felt it may not be the most effective way of tackling crime and disorder and that it overlapped with the premises licensing regime.

Consultation​

A public consultation was launched late last year to see how much support there was to abolish personal licences altogether.

It was clear from the responses we received that there was little backing for the proposal and nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents did not think it would save time or money.

Having carefully considered the range of views - including from the police, licensing authorities and the owners and managers of pubs, restaurants and shops - we have decided to keep personal licences.

I am grateful to all of you who took part and I hope you will continue to make your voices heard in any future consultations.

Norman Baker is Crime Prevention Minister at the Home Office​