Directors call for public health objective in revamped Licensing Act

Nine out of ten Directors of Public Health at local authorities want a public health objective to be included in a revamped Licensing Act, according to a survey carried out by the Local Government Association.

Current objections to licensing applications can only be considered on four criteria: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The LGA said councils were “powerless to use public health grounds to veto new premises wishing to sell alcohol".

It claimed that public health budgets would be cut by £331m over the next five years and that these funding issues made it “even more important for government to ensure local authorities have the same powers as those in Scotland which have been able to consider all health implications – such as hospital admissions and local addiction levels – in relation to licensing applications since 2005”.

Cllr Tony Page, Licensing spokesman on the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: "Obviously councils are not seeking powers to refuse every application - the social benefits of moderate drinking are well documented - but it would certainly allow them to take a more balanced view in line with their other priorities such as creating vibrant and safe town centres and protecting people from harm.

"Councils can listen to health evidence, but are powerless to refuse, new licences on public health grounds. Then after granting permission, they will have less money to spend on prevention schemes such as tackling alcohol misuse.

"Alcohol is a significant public health issue in many areas and having new licensing powers to protect and improve public health would allow councils to fully take into account the social and health impacts on their local communities as well as help reduce NHS costs."

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, LGA Community Wellbeing spokesperson, said: "Councils want to help people live healthier lives and tackle the harm caused by excessive drinking.

 "The widespread availability of alcohol is not helping the 1.6 million adults in England who have an alcohol addiction and the associated treatment costs picked up by local authorities.

"Adding a public health objective to the Licensing Act will give councils power to refuse licence applications due to long-term health impacts, such as liver disease, and save money from the public purse."