Possible change to Licensing Hours Orders
2023
A Private Members’ Bill, introduced by Emma Lewell-Buck MP, has been laid before Parliament.
The Bill, the full text of which is not currently available, seeks to make it so that Licensing Hours Orders (relaxations of hours for special occasions) can be made via negative procedure.
The negative procedure is a type of parliamentary procedure that applies to statutory instruments (SIs). It’s name describes the form of scrutiny that the SI receives from Parliament.
An SI laid under the negative procedure becomes law on the day that the Minister signs it and automatically remains so unless a motion – or “prayer” – to reject it is agreed by either House within 40 sitting days.
The effect of this would that Licensing Hours Orders could be made quickly and easily. The Bill, we surmise, is a result of the issues that arose in relation to the Women’s World Cup Final where a Licensing Hours Order could not be made in time for the final and Licensing Authorities were, instead, invited to “turn a blind eye” to venues increasing their hours.
We will keep you updated with developments in relation to this Private Members’ Bill as it makes its way through the legislature. The Bill has its second reading on the 19th of January next year.