Latest News
'Live' from Hartlepool - Council reject adoption of EMRO
In what may prove to be a decision of far reaching significance, the Hartlepool Licensing Committee has just decided not to impose an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order (EMRO) on the town's centre. Representations had been received from seve...
Scotland - BREAKING NEWS - minimum pricing legal challenge update
The Court of Session in Edinburgh has determined that the minimum pricing measures proposed by the Scottish Government of 50p per unit, which were challenged by numerous bodies (including the Scotch Whisky Association), are "not incompatible with ...
Scotland - Edinburgh Sunday Trading relaxation
At its meeting on the 29 April 2013, the Edinburgh Licensing Board confirmed that its Board policy had now been amended so as to allow premises to open from 11.00 am on Sundays (bringing forward the opening hour from 12.30pm) and thereby bringin...
West End Policy calls for modification of Late Night Levy
A commission set up by Westminster City Council has called for a modification to the Late Night Levy together with central London authorities being given opt-outs from planning and licensing rules and access to funds raised from a proposed "touris...
Planning: Judicial Review - Summer 2013 amendments to reduce planning delays
In December 2012, the Government published a consultation paper entitled ‘Judicial Review: Proposals for Reform’ which ran between 13 December and 24 January 2013. The consultation sought views on a package of measures to stem ...
Scotland - Tobacco Display Ban in force from today
The introduction of the tobacco display ban for large stores in Scotland comes into force today. This affects shops of more than 280 square metres / 3000 square feet (excluding all bulk tobacconists and specialists) and follows on from similar (bu...
Gambling - Commission fine Bookmaker for betting in pubs
The Gambling Commission has imposed an £8,000 financial penalty on Celtic Racing (Credit Betting) Limited (“Celtic”), a licensed bookmaker, who persisted in operating betting in pubs in South West Wales. As reported, Celtic kn...
Food Hygiene - challenging a prosecution
A very recent case in relation to a food hygene prosecution has recently been in the High Court. It centred on the questions of abuse of process and the policy of when to prosecute. It was not a case in which we were involved. The H...