Proposed Changes To Licensing Legislation

As part of the wider reforms to tackle binge drinking, crime and anti-social behaviour, the Home Office's Alcohol Strategy Consultation that ended 6 Feb suggests several changes for the government.

The government has already rebalanced the Licensing Act in favour of local communities so that anyone can object to licensing applications. It has also introduced a late night levy so that businesses that sell alcohol late into the night contribute towards the cost of policing. Now consultation has focussed on five key areas likely to bring changes in legislation:

• a ban on multi-buy promotions in shops and off-licences to reduce excessive alcohol consumption – arguably not necessary if the minimum unit price is introduced but likely to be brought in whilst the minimum price issues are resolved