Barrow - Possible reduction in licensed hours?

In late 2013 The Barrow Alcohol Inquiry Report was published (the report can be viewed here: 'The Barrow Alcohol Inquiry Report'). This was a report commissioned by Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group which made various recommendations in relation to alcohol in the local community one of which was a reduction in the number of hours people can drink which it stated would "mean less cost for the NHS and the police". The recommended licensing hours would allow Pubs/social clubs, night clubs, off licences/supermarkets and takeaways to open only 11am -11pm for the sale of alcohol with the option of applying for a late licence until 2am.

In February, the Senior Environmental Health Officer submitted a report seeking nominations for membership on a Working Party to consider the issues raised by the report.

A "Barrow Licensees Action Group" has now been set up in response to the recommended 2am closure by a number of local publcians.

In a statement, the group said: “The Licensees Action Group was formed to represent local businesses in response to the police’s suggested Early Morning Restriction Order. After the initial meeting of police, the local authority and some licensees, the Licensees Action Group has been formed and the committee urges local licensees to join the group.

The group has begun discussions with local and national bodies which may be affected by any future Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Orders. It is felt a new group to support licensees should be formed.”

The police have subsequently written to local businesses seeking views on a possible restriction in licensing hours Monday to Wednesday to 2am and Thursday to Saturday including Bank Holiday Sundays to 3am.

We shall keep you updated as to any developments, especially in relation to whether the Council seek to adopt an EMRO bearing in mind the proximity to Blackpool and their previous decision not to pursue an EMRO albeit at the present moment in time neither an EMRO or LNL are being proposed.