← Back to House of Commons Debates
Licensing Act 2003 (Extension Orders) Bill - Clause 1
17 May 2024
Lead MP
Emma Lewell
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Emma Lewell raised concerns about licensing act 2003 (extension orders) bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I move that the Licensing Act 2003 be amended to allow the Home Secretary or Ministers to make extension orders for events of exceptional significance without going through a costly, bureaucratic process. This amendment simplifies parliamentary procedures and enables swift action during critical times when public venues need extended hours, such as sporting events or royal occasions. Previous instances include the coronation, royal weddings, FIFA World Cup, Euro 2020 final, and women’s World cup final where timely extensions were crucial for community engagement and economic benefits.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Proposes a Bill to simplify the process of making extension orders under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, enabling swift action during significant events. This reduces bureaucratic delays and ensures public venues can extend hours for key occasions like sporting matches or royal ceremonies.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Supports the Bill, citing personal experience as a Home Office Minister and understanding of the hospitality industry. Emphasises that such orders are crucial for bringing communities together in British pubs during significant events.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
The hon. Member supports the amendment, highlighting the importance of supporting national teams and significant events in local pubs and social clubs. She emphasises that the current process using temporary event notices is a bureaucratic nightmare for licensing authorities. The proposed Bill will simplify this process while also providing economic benefits to the hospitality industry which employs thousands of people. However, she raises concerns about potential antisocial behaviour and the impact on residents who live near these venues. She advocates for proper consultation with local councillors, businesses and residents before approving such extensions.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
Supports the Bill for its pragmatic streamlining of administrative procedures under the Licensing Act 2003. Emphasises that while it does not eliminate bureaucracy, it makes processes more efficient and responsive to local needs and challenges faced by the hospitality sector.
Briefly intervenes, noting that the Strangers Bar is closed but suggesting the House of Lords bar may be an alternative for celebrating the Bill's progress.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Supports the Bill, recognising its importance in boosting hospitality businesses and allowing communities to celebrate national events more freely. Emphasises that while it addresses some issues, additional measures are needed to support the sector fully.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
The hon. Member congratulates the lead MP and acknowledges that this Bill is an example of pithiness in legislation, amending section 172 of the Licensing Act to allow for easier extensions of licensing hours during significant events such as coronations or royal weddings. He emphasises that while expectations should not be set too high due to stringent criteria, the bill will streamline the process and avoid bureaucratic hurdles that pubs face when applying for temporary event notices.
Chris Green
Con
Garstang
The hon. Member questions whether a local sporting event such as the Wembley play-off final would qualify under this Bill and urges swift passage to ensure its applicability for imminent events.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
Pentalburn
The hon. Member provides support from Scotland, emphasising the importance of this Bill across the United Kingdom and recognises its significance for pubs and nightlife in Scotland.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
The hon. Member expresses gratitude to various stakeholders who have supported her during the Bill's progression, including parliamentarians, industry associations, and her constituents in South Shields. She commends the Government for supporting the Bill and acknowledges the simplicity of the amendment that will streamline licensing extensions.
Nigel Evans
Ind
Cannock Chase
The hon. Member offers cheers to Emma Lewell-Buck for her efforts in advancing this Bill through Parliament.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.