Latest News

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...

23 Mar 2016

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...

22 Mar 2016

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...