BBPA fights bill giving litter authorities veto over licences

A trade group is fighting potential new legislation that could hit pubs in London with more red tape over licensing.

Under the London Local Authorities Bill, publicans would have to submit a copy of any licence applications or variations to the litter authorities ­ in addition to the current eight responsible authorities.

Litter authorities would also be given the power to object to licence applications or variations.

But the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is strongly opposed to the plans. The group has submitted a petition against the private bill, which is due to be considered by a Commons select committee on Wednesday (June 13).

The BBPA argues that litter is already covered under the Licensing Act and that an extra authority is not needed. Its petition claims the move would "place further administrative and cost burdens on licensed premises in London". Martin Rawlings, the BBPA's director of pub and leisure, said: "There¹s absolutely no explanation as to why this is necessary."

Bill Sharp, licensee at the Kings Arms in Borough, London, said: "It's getting to the stage where red tape is deterring people from getting the most out of their business."

Westminster City Council¹s director of environment and leisure, Dr Leith Penny, who requested the litter clause, said: "It appears from the wording of the Act that the licensing authority may not take account of any 'serious and chronic concerns' of the litter authority.

"It is to address this that the clause is promoted. There is nothing that should increase bureaucracy."

A spokesman for London Councils said: "We are meeting with the petitioners to see whether there is any way we can come to an agreement."