HoL Licensing Committee receives Home Office Briefing document

We have already reported on the recent establishment of this Committee.

In a briefing memorandum supplied by the Home Office into the working of the 2003 Licensing Act, they state that the Act is to remain “a fundamental pillar in both national and local regulatory frameworks” and that the legislation’s key principles and objectives had endured, “as its application in practice has proved capable of evolving and adapting to balance divergent interests”.

The Memorandum (all 90+ pages of it) can be found here:  'Memorandum to the House of Lords Select Committee,  Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Licensing Act 2003'.

The executive summary is at page 75. This goes on to state that:

"In the 11 years since the LA2003 came in to force, drinking habits and culture have changed. How far this can be attributed to the LA2003 will remain contested. What is clear is that the measures enabled by the LA2003, supported by strong local governance and accountability, provide the right balance of interests. While the number of licensed premises has increased, alcohol-related crime has not risen in parallel. Empowered Licensing Authorities, increasing numbers of personal licence holders (trained to a consistent standard), and coherent local alcohol strategies provide a regulatory and cultural framework commensurate with changing consumer needs. The LA2003 has improved the day-to-day coordination and cooperation, both within the various regulatory agencies and between the regulators and the licensed trade. As operators have found it easier to provide a wide range of leisure options within a single premises, the night time economy now delivers the greatest ever choice for consumers. Similarly, communities can be assured that local partners are empowered and able to manage the challenges of disorder and public nuisance associated with the night time economy. Among the array of available tools which enable this are Cumulative Impact Policies, and the triggering of premises licences reviews."