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Licensing Hours Extensions Bill - Sitting 1
21 February 2024
Type
Public Bill Committee
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 to streamline the process of extending licensing hours for significant events. The Minister is discussing the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill and its criteria for extending license hours during exceptional events. The statement discusses the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill and its implications for hospitality venues during national events like the Olympics.
Action Requested
Clause 1 proposes changing the parliamentary procedure for making licensing hours extension orders from affirmative to negative, allowing the Home Secretary or Ministers to make such orders without a lengthy approval process. Clause 2 sets the Bill's implementation date and scope.
Key Facts
- The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill aims to amend section 197 of the Licensing Act 2003.
- Current procedure for licensing hours extension orders is affirmative, requiring parliamentary approval.
- Proposed change will make the process negative, allowing quicker decision-making.
- Previous events covered by this amendment include royal weddings and sporting finals.
- The Bill allows anyone to approach the Home Office with an idea for an event that might qualify for extended license hours.
- The criteria require the event to be of exceptional international, national, or local significance.
- The power is intended to be rarely used and not routine.
- The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill aims to extend licensing hours for hospitality venues during national events.
- Under the negative statutory instrument procedure, Parliament retains the ability to oppose an order once it is made.
- The Bill will benefit hospitality venues and local communities by allowing extended opening hours during important national celebrations.
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