MP calls for licensing clarity
A south Yorkshire MP has called for clarification over pub licensing conditions after local police closed down a pub because the licensee was on holiday.
Eric Illsley, MP for Barnsley Central, is concerned that Yorkshire Police are being too strict in their interpretation of the new licensing laws.
Illsley told the Sheffield Star: "What they are saying in effect is that a licensee cannot go on holiday, or go to a funeral or have an afternoon off.
"This is a matter of how the law has been interpreted.
"The legislation says that all sales of alcohol have to be supervised which they have taken to mean the licensee must be there at all times.
"The Department of Culture Media and Sport have said we have to interpret that not too strictly, and the licensee can be away for a short period but for some reason South Yorkshire Police have not accepted that."
Earlier this year police closed a local pub because the licensee was on holiday and tried to bring a prosecution against him for breaching his licence.
The prosecution was dropped.
Your CommentsRobert Feal Martinez via email 07/06/2006"Is it any wonder their is chaos, if the MP believes that all sales have to be supervised. All sales have to be authorised, a totally different word and meaning. The only mention of supervision is in relation to those serving who are under 18 their service has to be supervised by some one who is over 18 and is authorised (by the DPS) s153 of the Act. How many more times does it have to be said the DPS does not have to be present 24/7, he has to be contactable (haven't the police heard of phones). There is also no requirement for more than one Personal Licence holder, given that there can only be one DPS, who have legal responsibility. Surely it is time this was put to bed by the DCMS, once and for all."
