Late Night Drinking Bans Proposed

An amendment to the Crime and Security Bill, if approved by Parliament, will give local authorities the power to apply a blanket ban on premises opening for the sale of alcohol between 3am and 6am, by specifying streets or areas, rather than premises, where it is considered necessary to promote the licensing objectives. These include the prevention of crime, the prevention of disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and the promotion of public safety.

The proposals will be particularly welcomed by residents who live in areas where there are several premises offering late-night drinking and in which there is a high level of alcohol-related nuisance.