Problem pubs face faster action thanks to LGA lobbying success

LGA Media release – January 29th 2010

Councils across the country will be able to take faster and more effective action against problem pubs and off-licences thanks to new powers which came into effect today, making it easier for elected politicians to act on the concerns of local people.

The Local Government Association Group lobbied ministers for changes to the Policing and Crime Act which mean councillors in a licensing authority can now initiate their own action against premises which are thought to be connected to alcohol-related crime or disorder, or which undermine the other licensing objectives.

Previously, elected councillors could only intervene if a resident was willing to publicly put their name to a complaint in writing, meaning councillors had no powers to step in simply because they had observed a problem. In some situations where a licensed venue was suspected of being the scene of drug-dealing or other criminal behaviour, constituents have sometimes been too scared to be named and owners have been able to quash attempts to review their licence.

From today, ward councillors will be able to make representations and call for reviews of problem premises’ licences right across their authority. These new powers give councillors the ability to take meaningful action on their residents’ behalf and act as local champions on licensing issues.

Cllr Chris White, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:

“Bars and pubs are a vibrant part of many towns and cities, and in rural areas often provide an important hub of social activity. People enjoy going to these venues, they are valuable local businesses and councils are keen to support them.

“When there are problems with a small minority of licensed premises, it is important councils can act swiftly and effectively to put things right. The previous rules meant councillors were too often prevented from speaking up on behalf of their constituents.

“Giving councillors the right to represent local people in this way is an obvious and simple step that the LGA Group argued for, and it is great to see the new rules come into force. People can be confident their local councils will use these powers responsibly to keep our streets safe and trouble free.”

Author: LGA Media Office
Contact: LGA Media Office, Tel: 020 7664 3333

ENDS

Notes to editors:

There are four licensing objectives, which are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

LACORS, the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services, has published guidance for councillors on the new rules which can be found at http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/ContentDetails.aspx?id=23187

The rules apply to councillors on licensing authorities, which in two tier areas means district councils rather than county councils.

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