Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, has commented on the 10th Anniversary of the Licensing Act:
“The Licensing Act is working well, and has not resulted in the ‘free for all’ that some suggest.
“24-hour drinking is very much a myth, as on average, pubs close less than half an hour later than they did under the previous Licensing Act. Harmful drinking and alcohol related violence are also falling.
“Pubs are a vital community resource and we want to encourage drinking in a responsible environment like the pub. In the tiny minority of premises where there are problems, local authorities have plenty of powers to restrict licensing hours and close down premises that do not behave responsibly.
“We have also seen significant ‘add ons’ since 2005, such as Mandatory Licence Conditions, bringing significant additional costs and burdens to licensing regulation in the sector. Overall, we should be looking at how we can ease the regulatory burden on pubs.
Many towns and cities are achieving the right balance
“The pub industry is not complacent, and plays an active role in fostering partnerships at a local level, from Pubwatch to Business Improvement Districts or Best Bar None, so that local communities, police, local authorities and the industry can work together to find the best solutions.
“It is hugely important that we have a vibrant pubs sector – and there is plenty of evidence that many towns and cities are achieving the right balance.”
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