Blanket ban on 24-hour opening

Councils will be able to impose blanket bans on 24-hour opening under new rules announced today.

Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe announced that local authorities will be able to impose a 3am blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in entire streets or city centres affected by alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and disorder.

The new powers, first announced by the Prime Minister in September 2009, will be included in 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 and include pubs, bars, clubs, supermarkets and convenience stores. 

It could be imposed all week or only on particular days of the week. Councils would need to show that the restriction was necessary to prevent crime and disorder or public nuisance, or to promote public safety.

Councils will have to first 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.

"The Licensing Act has done a great deal to make it easier for local residents and councils to deal with alcohol-related nuisance and disorder, and the number of 24 hour licences remains low," said Sutcliffe.

"But we recognise that some 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."