The New Licensing Laws

I have received a number of representations about the operation of the new licensing laws.

There are a number of myths and some genuine practical consequences that I wish to address.

Despite the media hype - this law is not about 24 hour drinking. I would urge anybody to show me an establishment in my constituency that has a 24 hour license - or would want one.

These laws are about modernising our drinks laws to combat aspeacts of binge drinking (the last orders syndrome) and to give the police and local people more say and powers over the licensing process for their locality. The Act also introduces far more powers and protection for children. That is why I (and most MPs) have supported the general concept of this Act.

However, as with any new law it how it is put into practice on the ground that matters. In some circumstances locally I don't think the views of residents have been heard enough so as the government reviews its implementation of this new legislation I would like to see this aspect made clearer int he regulatiosna and guidance.