Councils to get power to impose blanket bans on 24 hour licences in problem areas

Local authorities are to get the power to impose blanket bans on the sale of alcohol after 3am in entire streets or city centres affected by alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and disorder, the licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe has announced.

The new powers will be made available through the Crime and Security Bill, currently before Parliament. The new rules would mean that, where disorder or public nuisance cannot be attributed to particular individual premises, local authorities would be able to limit late opening across an entire area. The ban will operate between 3am and 6am in respect of all premises selling alcohol, including pubs, bars, clubs, supermarkets and convenience stores. Bans can be imposed all week or on particular days.

In order to impose a ban, councils will need to show that the restriction is necessary to prevent crime and disorder or public nuisance, or to promote public safety. Councils will also be required invite views from everyone affected, including local residents, the police and licence holders and if necessary, hold a public hearing before making a final decision.

Mr Sutcliffe said: “We recognise that concerns still exist about anti-social behaviour, and are determined to give councils the powers they need to act. This new power will help local authorities and the police make life better for local residents.  It will also help ensure that licensees take their obligation to run responsible businesses more seriously.”

More information on the new Crime and Security Bill is available here.