by Tony Halstead
Trade leaders have welcomed news there is unlikely to be an early review of fee levels brought in as part of the Licensing Act.
The Independent Licensing Fees Review Panel aims to ensure fees are set at the right level for businesses, community groups and local authorities.
It was set up by the Government to examine the fees structure but is likely to delay its report until the system marks its first anniversary next autumn.
The panel has the power to recommend how levels can be developed and looks at a range of fees.
But in its first report published this week, it has called for one standard annual date for payments of fees along with incentives for licensees to cough up on time.
It is also recommending that the Department for Culture Media & Sport simplifies the licence application process, particularly in relation to advertising.
The panel also wants clarification on requirements to produce professionally-drawn premises plans of pubs which accompany new applications.
Jon Collins, chief executive of the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association (BEDA), said: 'I think it is far too early to take a view on fee levels and I am pleased the panel has not caved in to pressure from local authorities to increase them.
'I think it is right to wait until the new system has operated for a full year first,' he said.
The BEDA boss said that the recommendation for an annual fees payment date and simplification of licence applications were both 'common sense measures'.
Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne said complex application procedures had caused major problems for licensees.
'Any simplification of the procedure is welcome because licensees struggled to understand forms and requirements and this is what led to so many of them sending in new licence applications so late,' he said.
The panel has also called for a central register of information for licence holders explaining the new system.
It said it may publish another interim report but the main plank of its fees strategy is set to be announced in the autumn of 2006.