House of Commons · Bill Debate
19 January 2024 · 8 other contributors
Opened by Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Emma Lewell-Buck raised concerns about the licensing act 2003 (special occasions) - clause 1 and clause 2 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The hon. Member highlights that pubs are not just places for drinking but also serve as community hubs where people come together to socialise and celebrate significant events.
The hon. Member supports the Bill, encouraging responsible drinking while acknowledging the importance of pubs for community interaction. He also raises questions about the extension of licensing hours to cover international events.
Paying tribute to the hon. Member's Bill and expressing gratitude from her constituents, emphasising the importance of pubs in community life and support for celebrating national events.
Congratulates the hon. Member on introducing the Bill, praising its deregulatory approach and flexibility in allowing easier adjustments to licensing hours for special occasions.
Strongly supports the Bill, highlighting its significance in enabling local communities to celebrate events and supporting the hospitality industry. Emphasises that it should not only apply to national but also local events.
Expresses support for the Bill, arguing for its benefits in reducing bureaucracy and making it easier to celebrate significant occasions. Acknowledges concerns about disorder but finds them unsupported by evidence.
Supports the amendment to provide more flexibility in extending licensing hours during significant events. Emphasises the benefits of extended trading hours for businesses and communities, highlighting that pubs, bars, and restaurants could open earlier during important events like the women’s world cup final but were unable to serve customers until 11 am due to bureaucratic delays. She stresses the hospitality sector's economic contribution (£54 billion in tax receipts and £7 billion of business investments) and its importance to tourism (42% of tourists want to visit a pub).
Congratulates the hon. Member for South Shields on presenting the Bill and confirms full Government support. Outlines that current arrangements are inflexible, especially during recesses or urgent events like the Lionesses' final in Australia last year. Supports simplifying the process to allow extensions at short notice while retaining safeguards such as consultation when necessary.
Thanks all right hon. and hon. Members for their support, particularly the Minister and officials who have aided in progressing this Bill. Emphasises that although she appreciates the support, caution is needed around deregulation. Acknowledges the significant impact of the hospitality industry on local economies and communities.