Subscribe

Will the Parish Councils Take Over Licensing?

The weekend press, in anticipation of today’s launch of the Open Public Services White Paper, hinted that the Coalition Government were considering handing over control of alcohol licensing to Parish and Town Councils as part of their intention to give more responsibility to local communities.

The White Paper has now been released and although it makes reference to allowing neighbourhoods to take control of local powers and services, including recreational services, parking and licensing of certain premises, it goes on to specifically state that this will not include the provision of alcohol. 

This would tend to indicate that Parish and Town Councils will not be given the power to administer and adjudicate the Licensing Act 2003 or any new legislation.  It does however, leave a question as to what types of licence the Coalition Government consider to be suitable for the Town and Parish Councils to take control over.

When more information becomes available, we will provide you with further updates.

If you wish to read the full White Paper it can be found: Open Pubic Services White Paper.