JDW innovative LNL approach 'rejected' in Newcastle

Following recent success in Nottingham (see "JDW innovative LNL approach 'approved'"), the Newcastle Licensing Committee have rejected  the innovative approach adopted by JD Wetherspoons (JDW) where a Late Night Levy (LNL) is about to come into effect.

Rather than reducing the hours to take premises outside the LNL supply period on what might prove to be a permanent basis in the longer term, JDW seek to reduce the hours only for so long as there is a LNL in force, which would affect them.

In essence the Committee accepted police assertions that the fact that they could revert to their previous hours in the future without further scrutiny would undermine the licensing objectives. They did not seem to give any weight to the fact that the condition would secure an immediate reduction in hours. The Licensing Authority itself had put in their own representation based clearly on legal advice which presumably was repeated to them in the Committee deliberations.

An appeal is under consideration.