Chris White is appearing this afternoon before the All-Party Retail Group to give evidence against the Government imposing mandatory licensing conditions on local authorities. He does so as Chair of the Culture, Tourism and Sport Board of the Local Government Association.

Chris says: ‘We all want misuse of alcohol to be curtailed – and that includes irresponsible retailing. Councils need the powers to tackle alcohol-related harm. Imposing central conditions on local circumstances will not help and could well hinder existing efforts.’

The decision by Parliament to allow the Government to regulate fees has cost council taxpayers an estimated £100 million in lost revenues because fees are not covering licensing and enforcement costs – a clear example of why Whitehall does not know best.