Community Licensed Premises Consultation

The Government has published proposals to reduce costs and bureaucracy for village halls and similar community premises that sell alcohol.

Currently all licensed premises must have a named supervisor with responsibility for authorising all alcohol sales, after completing a training course.

However community groups have raised concerns about the costs and difficulties in finding individual volunteers to act as supervisor.

PROPOSALS

The Government is proposing to remove this requirement in these cases, subject to agreement by the police.

Under the new arrangements a board or committee would have collective responsibility, however this could be reviewed afterwards if residents or the police had concerns about it.

The Government is consulting about:

-  changes in the law
-  the guidance that would be given to local authorities
-  suggested fees
-  application forms

For further information on the consultation please visit: www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/5349.aspx

The closing date for responses is 1st September 08.