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HUGH ROBERTSON CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SUSPEND LICENSING DEADLINE

Hugh Robertson has today called on the government to suspend the proposed August deadline for the implementation of the new licensing arrangements. After August, pubs and clubs lose their ‘grandfather’ rights and will have to apply for the renewal of their alcohol, and other licenses, as if it was a new application.

The call comes as a survey shows that, in some areas, only 3% of licensees have applied to renew their licenses under the provisions of new legislation. The Licensing Act 2004 switches the responsibility for licensing away from magistrates to local authorities and introduces new forms and fees for licenses.

Hugh has been a long term opponent of the new bill. He opposed the switch from magistrates to local authorities and has championed the cause of sports and recreation clubs and has questioned the Prime Minister on the subject. This drew a promise from Tony Blair to ‘adjust the position’ if fees or administration became too burdensome.

Hugh said: “Just as we predicted during the passage of the bill, the new licensing system has proved extremely costly and a bureaucratic nightmare. Informal surveys of local councils show that in some areas, only 3% of pubs have applied for a new license. As all the remainder are technically illegal after 6 August, chaos looms.

“I, therefore, urge the government to suspend the August deadline and instigate an urgent review of the effects of the legislation. As it stands, it will simply drive many clubs and pubs out of business and devastate the British sporting and recreational landscape.”