Downing Street Says » 24 Hour License Law

» Thursday, January 13, 2005

24 Hour License Law

Asked if Frank Field was right to forecast a Government rethink on 24 hour drinking, the PMOS said: No. It was important to recognise what the premise was on the position that had been taken. The Government had received representation from the police and others about the problem that a single turning out time was having and it would be better to have flexible closing hours instead to solve this problem. The problem not only needed to be recognised, but also the ability to target problem premises. This was what the law would do. It was also important to note that the number of premises applying for a 24 hour license was very small (about 1-2%). It was to allow for more flexible hours that would make life easier.
Asked if the Government was committed to the timetable in February, the PMOS said that we were.

Asked how the flexible hours would work in practical terms, the PMOS said if there was a problem with local premises, for example, the authorities could take action against them. That was precisely what people wanted; it was not to penalise everyone for the actions of a few, but rather to penalise a few who made life difficult for others.
Asked if there would be a levy on the industry in order to cut increasing costs, the PMOS replied that Charles Clarke had mentioned that discussions were taking place with the industry, but he would prefer to leave the details to the Home Office.

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