![]() ![]() We have made it clear in the draft guidance that licensing authorities can take saturation or cumulative effect into account. We have tackled the matter through proposed legislative changes and the statutory guidance that will be issued under the Bill. To that end, we have reconsidered our policy on cumulative effect. The Government share their objective of making our town centres and high streets safe and enjoyable places while clamping down on the disorder and antisocial behaviour that can become a blight for ordinary residents.Īs the debate has made clear, some provisions, notably the abolition of permitted hours, should lead to a reduction in the disorder that current law perversely drives. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) and many others raised that issue. Friend the Member for Watford (Claire Ward) and the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford (Mr. I understand the need for local authorities to take into account the possible effect of the concentration of licensed premises in a specific area on crime, disorder and public nuisance. I hope that the industry will consider that carefully. If the undertakings have been broken, that could lead to refusal to renew licences. However, licensing authorities may consider them when licences are being renewed. We can examine that in the guidance but undertakings are different from conditions and they do not have legal force unless they become conditions in existing licences. I am sure that that was never the Government's intention. If that happens, a great deal of existing protection for residents will be swept away. Will he consider further amending the Bill to ensure that undertakings that existing licence holders have given in the past to protect residents' interests continue to apply? I understand that they will disappear under the Bill. Friend and his predecessor for the past three years, I feel that his day would be incomplete if I did not make an additional point. Members have used different terms to describe it, but it is cumulative effect. I want to speak briefly about the problem that has generated most interest. It would be great if I could spend a good deal of the short time left discussing various speakers' contributions, and I apologise if I fail to deal in full with all the points raised. As well as cutting unnecessary regulation and improving flexibility and choice, it offers strong protections for consumers, local people and children. It represents the first fundamental reform of licensing law for 40 years and it will introduce modern laws to reflect the many changes that have occurred in society. I believe that the Bill will bring real change. Friends the Members for North Durham (Mr. For example, it was instructive to have the benefit of the long experience in the matters under discussion of hon. This has been a valuable debate in which I counted 21 contributions, many of which were of very high quality. Moss) that his party will not oppose the Bill tonight? Member for North-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. May I welcome very much the statement of the hon. ![]() The Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting (Dr. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |