Home Office stats show personal licences increase

In total 544,600 personal licences were in place as of 31 March, a rise up 7% in one year.

Meanwhile, there was a 5% rise in the number of supermarkets and shops with 24-hour licences (2,100), although the number of venues that can serve around the clock was unchanged in the year at 8,900. In total 918 on-trade premises have 24-hour licences.

Overall 4% of premises have such a licence.

Licence stats​

The data, which is based on information from almost all local authorities in England and Wales, pointed to a 2% decline in the number of outlets licensed for on and off sales (80,400) and a 5% rise in the number of premises licensed for off-sales only (53,900). The number of premises licensed for on-sales only grew 4% to 37,800.

The overall number of premises licences grew 1% to 204,400.

The report says that a reform of temporary events notices (TENs) in April 2012 may have been the reason for a 4% rise in the number of TENs issued in the year (138,300).

The figures show that in the year, 3,289 licensed premises or clubs were subject to licence hearings, and 226 personal licence applications went to a committee hearing.

Appeals​

There were 109 completed appeals against the application decision and 114 completed appeals against the licence review decision. In the year to 31 March 2013, 230 local authorities reported that no appeals were made against any decision. Just one judicial review was completed.

The research found that 175 cumulative impact areas, where restrictions are imposed on new licences, were in place across England and Wales as of 31 March.