Licence review applications up by a third

Applications for licence reviews rose by around a third last year, according to new statistics released by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The number of review applications increased by approximately 29% but does not take account of applications for review made by police under the new power for expediated review.

Just over half of reviews were instigated by the police, followed by Trading Standards (18%), Environmental Health Officers (13%), and the remainder (15%) from other authorities or local residents. There is around a 35% chance of a licence being revoked or suspended if a review actually takes place.

Cumulative Impact areas are also on the rise with an increase from 71 to 112 — a 63% rise.

"The message from the statistics is clear; enforcement activity is on the increase and Licensing Authorities around the country are introducing more Cumulative Impact areas," said Poppleston Allen's Andy Grimsey.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said the rise in enforcement showed the Licensing Act was working and that no further powers or a mandatory code of practice were required.

"The figures speak for themselves, and prove that far from facilitating a growth in irresponsible operators, the Act is helping police and local residents to crack down on them," said ALMR chief executive Nick Bish.

"In the last year there have been over 1000 premises licence reviews completed — a jump of almost a third. Of those, 780 of reviews either led to changes in operating hours or new conditions were attached. In almost a sixth of cases the premises had its license revoked. In just 5% of cases no action was taken following a premises licence review."

He added: "The fact of the matter is that the statistics confirm what the industry has been saying for some time. New powers and complex legislation take time to have an effect. Now is an appropriate time for a moratorium on new measures that stigmatise all operators. The Government could be using legislation to reward good operators. If a 'yellow card', 'red card' system is to be introduced, then it is only fair that there is a 'green card' which recognises the responsible and sensible practices of the vast majority of premises."