Licensing Act is working

Home Office figures show that serious violent crime has significantly dropped since the introduction of the Licensing Act. This is despite the predictions by many doom mongers that our towns and cities would turn into Armageddon. Mark Hastings, from the BBPA, said: “The projections of government and the industry have proved far closer to the truth than the prophesies of the peddlers of doom. Clearly the combination of flexible opening hours and law enforcement is having a positive impact.”

Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission has announced its new offices will be in Victoria Square Birmingham and they have also appointed Phillip Brear (Ex Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police) as Director of Operations, Hazel Canter as Director of Licensing and Compliance and Andrew Lyman as Head of Enforcement.

Section 34 permits

The Government has announced that all existing S16 and S34 permits for licensed premises will remain valid until they expire.  This includes licenses which have a change of applicant.  The most common is a S34 permit which is required for AWP’s (fruit machines with max stake of 30p and a max prize of £25).  S16 permits are required for the playing of certain games and lotteries for prizes.  Applicants must submit their renewal application at least 1 month before the expiry of the permit as the permit will have an automatic extension until the “appropriate authority” has determined their application.  Any renewals needed before the 24 November should be submitted to the Magistrates and after the 24th to your local Council.

Hearing Success

LGS.uk achieved another notable success for a late licence. “With 2 major objections including unnecessary EHO conditions LGS.uk dealt with the panel in an expert fashion.  We will use LGS.uk in the future as they provide a prompt and efficient service”  Peter Foreman, Riverside Tavern, Stood

Circuses

Circuses face some real challenges under the Licensing Act due to an apparent oversight.  MP Peter Luff has attempted to amend the Act stating that the law will cause real problems for operators and lead to the closure of circus if they are faced with an additional cost of £24,000 for licence fees alone