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Cutting bureaucracy for licensees

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (084/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 4 August 2008

A package of measures to reduce bureaucracy and save money for managers of licensed premises was published today by licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

In future any pub, village hall, off-licence or other licensed premises that wants to make a minor change to the terms of their licence - e.g. a small-scale refurbishment - will be able to use a cheaper, simpler and quicker process to vary the terms of their licence as long as the change will not affect the licensing objectives and does not involve alcohol.

The simplified process could save licensees up to £250, with a much simpler application form and a reduced flat rate fee of £73.00. It is expected that the changes will save licence holders £1.9 - £2.5m a year.

Gerry Sutcliffe said:

"We have listened carefully to the views of licence holders and come up with a set of proposals that will lead to a significant reduction in cost and bureaucracy. Currently around 30% of applications for variations can be classified as minor, so these changes will make a big difference."

The Government also published proposals today to reduce bureaucracy and costs for village halls and similar community premises that sell alcohol.

Currently every licensed premises must have a named premises supervisor, who has responsibility for authorising all sales of alcohol and must complete a training course. The Government is responding to concerns from community groups about the costs and difficulties in finding an individual volunteer to act as premises supervisor by removing this requirement, subject to agreement by the police.

Under the new arrangements, a management board or committee would have collective responsibility for the licence and supervision of the premises and the sale of alcohol. However the licence could still be reviewed if residents, the police or any other responsible authority had concerns and this could lead to the reinstatement of the requirement for a designated premises supervisor.

Gerry Sutcliffe continued:

"The changes we are making to these requirements will make things easier for village and community halls, helping them to continue providing a valuable service to their communities. The measures will also ensure they continue to be subject to ongoing scrutiny to ensure they are selling alcohol responsibly."

The Government is today consulting on draft legislative reform orders which would enable a change in the law, guidance to local authorities, suggested fees and application forms for both sets of proposals. The proposals follow an earlier consultation on the content and scope of the changes.

Notes to editors

1. Today's consultation will run until 1 September and is available at: http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/5349.aspx

2. The Government has previously carried out a three month consultation on policy options for both proposals. Community premises are defined as premises that are or form part of part of a church hall, chapel hall or other similar building or a village hall, parish hall or community hall or other similar building. The proposal shall only include premises with a formal management or executive committee.

3. A minor variation will be defined in the Act as any change that 'could have no adverse effect' on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Local authorities will have the power to decide if a variation to the licence is 'minor', i.e. whether it could have any adverse impact on the licensing objectives. However, the following changes relating to alcohol will be legally excluded from the minor variation process:

* the addition of the sale or supply of alcohol to a licence or club premises certificate;

* the sale or supply of alcohol at any time between 11pm and 7pm; and

* any increase in the amount of time on any day during which alcohol may be sold or supplied.

4. Detailed guidance for local authorities is included in the consultation document.

5. The Licensing Act 2003 received Royal Assent on 10 July 2003. The four statutory objectives of the act are:

* the prevention of crime and disorder;

* public safety;

* the prevention of public nuisance; and

* the protection of children from harm.

6. More information about the Licensing Act 2003 can be found in the alcohol and entertainment pages of the DCMS website.

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