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Government inquiry launched into licencing act which made 24-hour drinking possible

Published:  01 July, 2016

An inquiry has been set up to re-evaluate legislation which made it possible for consumers to buy alcohol "around the clock".

An inquiry has been set up to re-evaluate legislation which made it possible for consumers to buy alcohol "around the clock".

As of next week, a House of Lords Committee will be looking into the effectiveness of at the Licensing Act 2003, which led to the liberalising of opening hours, to determine what kind of impact the greater availability of alcohol has had on the population.

It will begin by questioning government officials from the Home Office, Department of Culture Media and Sport, and the Department of Health, as well as officials from Public Health England, on topics such as health, police enforcement and the role of licensing in shaping local communities and economies.

Chair of the committee, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering said: "The Licensing Act 2003 enabled premises to serve alcohol for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While many heralded the Act as the start of a more continental drinking culture, others predicted round-the-clock consumption, leading to disorder and a deterioration in public health.

"But what has the reality actually been like? Has deregulation allowed the drinks industry to thrive? Have drinkers embraced a more relaxed and healthier approach to alcohol? What happened to the anticipated café culture?"

The Licensing Act 2003 set out to provide greater freedom to the hospitality and leisure industry, as well giving consumers more choice.

At the same time the new legislation was intended to grant authorities the appropriate powers to deal with misuse of these freedoms.

The House of Lords Licensing Act 2003 Committee, which was formally appointed on May 25, will investigate the effectiveness of the Act, looking at:

· the balance between rights and responsibilities of both the industry and the public;

· the powers of enforcement authorities, including the police;

· the impact that any greater availability of alcohol has had on the health of the population;

· whether the Act has made it easier or harder for communities to enjoy activities that have to be licensed under the Act;

· the role of licensing in shaping local areas, for the benefit of the economy and the local community;

· minimum unit pricing and its potential impact; and

· fees and costs associated with the Act.

"For good or ill, the Licensing Act has altered the drinking landscape of England and Wales, but an examination of the changes is long overdue," Baroness McIntosh added.

Government officials will be questioned in the inquiry's first evidence session on Tuesday, July 5.

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