Of Planes Trains and Automobiles......Well Trains Anyway!

At 11.00pm last night The Lords finally made it to amendments which will effect liquor licensing.

The amendments debated centred on clauses in relation to the British Transport Police (BTP) which for the most part willl only be of passing interest unless you are an avid follower of the legislation…or a licensing lawyer! Clauses 242 and 243 centred on the area over which the British Transport Police Force has jurisdiction and the powers of BTP constables.  However, clauses 304 to 306 in relation to licensing were also briefly considered. The first of those was on the placing of the BTP on a par with the police for the purposes of alcohol licensing by making them a Responsible Authority.  Arguments against this included that the BTP is a broadly non-geographic force and that there are already too many Responsible Authorities.  Further, this would also add an extra burden on businesses.  The second amendment also debated whether the BTP should be able to object to TEN’s.  The final amendment considered was in relation to the BTP being a recipient of the late-night levy funds.

The amendments in relation to the overriding clauses were withdrawn and not moved but are to be returned to on the Third Reading briefly.  This may effect whether the BTP will become a Responsible Authority.

The PR&SR Bill will be back before the Lords from 11.00am this morning (anticipated to be wider than the BTP in relation to licensing). The Third Reading is scheduled for next week, on Tuesday or Wednesday.