Latest News

08 Apr 2016

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...

05 Apr 2016

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...

01 Apr 2016

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...

25 Mar 2016

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...

24 Mar 2016

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% ...

23 Mar 2016

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...