Latest News
Relaxation of licensing hours for Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations - update
We are seeing reports that the proposed extension to celebrate the Queen’s birthday has in fact been granted. As of this afternoon, this is NOT the case. Although imminently expected, this anticipated extension has yet to receive...
Gambling - Gaming Machine enforcement activity - update
The Gambling Commission is reporting that a number of councils have recently taken action against operators who failed test purchase operations in relation to allowing under age persons access to gaming machines. Two were in Blackpool in rel...
Relaxation of Lottery Rules
On the 6th April 2016 the Legislative Reform (Exempt Lotteries) Regulations 2016 will come into force. The effect of the new regulations will bring greater flexibility to a range of lotteries. The aim of the changes is to make the rul...
Liverpool Reject Late Night Levy
At a meeting of the Liverpool City Council's Licensing and Gambling Committee on Thursday (24th March), a proposal to introduce a Late Night Levy was rejected. Following scrutiny of reports and in light of representations received from national a...
Mandatory licence condition - banning the sale of alcohol below the cost of duty plus VAT: wine and cider duty changes
In 2014, the Government introduced a mandatory condition banning the sale of alcohol below the cost of duty plus VAT. With effect from 21 March 2016, the duty on wine and made-wine at or below 22% ABV and high strength sparkling cider above 5.5% ...
Modern Crime Prevention Strategy Released
The Home Office has released the Modern Crime Prevention Strategy which identifies 6 key drivers of crime, one of which is alcohol. Within the Strategy introduction, it confirms that crime has consistently fallen over the last 20 years. However, w...
Consultation – relaxation of licensing hours for Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations
In previous years the Government has provided a nationwide relaxation of licensing hours for events of national significance such as the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee. In Prime Minister’s Question Time today, David Cameron indicated tha...
Wales - Takeaway food businesses and food hygiene ratings
In November 2013, the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 made it compulsory for all food businesses to publicly display their food hygiene rating on their premises. From 28 November 2016, takeaway food businesses in Wales will be required to rem...