Government plans to cut licensing red tape

The Government has unveiled plans to cut the red tape involved in the licensing of events at venues around the UK.

Announcing the proposals, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched a 10-week consultation on measures that it says could save up to £24 million a year.

Under the plans, police would be given new powers to accept late Temporary Event Notices up to three-working-days before the proposed event where there are no crime and disorder issues. Currently event organisers must adhere to a 10-day notification period.

The police objection period for such notices would also be extended from 48 hours to two working days.

If the measures are approved by Parliament, relatives and business partners would also benefit from an extended 28-day period in which they can apply for a license to be reinstated if the licensee dies, is incapable or becomes insolvent. The DCMS concedes in its consultation document that the current seven day period is "not always a realistic timescale", particularly after bereavement.

"Most of these measures have been put forward to us by the industry and the proposals today show that we have listened," said Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe. "They would not only make the process easier for licensees and local authorities, they could also save a great deal of money too."

Neil Williams, from the British Beer and Pub Association, confirmed that the body had "long requested many of these proposals".

"They should help to ease the burden of regulation, albeit against a backdrop of increasing red tape from elsewhere in government," he added.