Overhaul of licensing laws in the spotlight (From Swindon Advertiser)

Overhaul of licensing laws in the spotlight

5:00pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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GOVERNMENT plans to overhaul the licensing laws for pubs, bars and other premises were discussed by Swindon Council last night.

The Home Office claims the proposals, which are currently out to consultation, will tackle problem establishments and give more powers to local communities.

Swindon’s licensing committee supported the plan to increase fees for premises licences so councils can cover enforcement costs.

They also supported the principal of introducing a levy for late-night licences to pay for the cost of extra policing.

However some members questioned whether it would be practical, stating that it would put extra burden on premises and would be unfair on responsible bars and pubs.

Chairman Vera Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said: “We would have a lot of licensed premises going bankrupt and we aren’t in the business of trying to close down businesses so we have got to be sensible about it.”

The committee also discussed concerns about the proposal to allow anyone – not just those in the vicinity to the premises – to comment on licence applications.

Lionel Starling, head of licensing, said: “It would mean for example that people in Abbey Meads could comment on something that is happening in the town centre.

“The implication of it is every application that comes in would go to a panel and we would either have to speed the process up massively or it would be hugely expensive.”

Members also raised fears about allowing local authorities to set down their own rules over when licensed premises in their areas could open in the early mornings.

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