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Councils to be able to impose blanket bans!

It seems that a week does not go by at the moment without the announcement of some new initiative affecting the licensed trade – on this occasion potentially affecting both the on and the off trade.

DCMS announced yesterday that local authorities are to get the power to impose blanket bans on the sale of alcohol after 3am in entire streets or city centres affected by alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and disorder.  The new powers are to be brought in through the Crime and Security Bill, currently before Parliament.

The intention of the proposed 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 could operate between 3am and 6am in respect of all premises selling alcohol, including 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.

When a council proposes to use its new power, it will first invite views from everyone affected, including local residents, the police and licence holders and if necessary, it will hold a public hearing before making a final decision.

As usual, the devil will be in the detail and the possible timing of the election; we will be watching!