Alcohol Consultation

Proposals have now been unveiled for new measures that would crack down on 'problem premises' and give more powers to local communities to influence licensing decisions.

In a recent consultation which ended on 8 September 2010, the Home Office asked for views on a number of points including:

• allowing local authorities to consider the opinions of the wider community, not just those living close to premises
• doubling the fine (to £20,000) for those found persistently selling alcohol to children
• charging a fee for late-night licences to pay for the cost of extra policing
• fully considering police and health concerns in assessing licence applications
• increasing licence fees so that local councils can cover costs linked to enforcement
• introducing a ban on the sale of below cost alcohol and consulting on how this can be achieved.

The full text of the consultation is available on the |Home Office website.