Licensing law news - Pub insurance customers consider the Queen's speech

The Queen's speech, delivered on the 25th May, has left pub insurance customers wondering what an "overhaul" of the Licensing Act is going to mean for them.

The new Bill is set to change the "the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licenses from, or refuse to grant licenses to, any premises that are causing problems".

The Royal address, delivered in the House of Lords on behalf of the first coalition government in the Queen's reign, stated that the sale of alcohol at below cost price would be banned and that councils would be allowed to make greater charges for late-night licenses. The increased charges would help to pay for extra policing.

Meanwhile, councils will have new powers to shut down premises, including shops and off-licenses, which persistently flout rules by selling alcohol to children. The maximum fine for selling to children will rise to £20,000.

Critics were quick to note, however, that similar powers are already in place for local authorities to use if they so wish.

And in a positive move for pub insurance customers whose premises are under threat from local development, the Decentralism and Localism Bill will give communities greater powers to save local facilities such as public houses and small businesses threatened with closure.