Alcohol Licensing

Baroness Featherstone Excerpts

Tuesday 11th November 2014 Written Statements

[The Minister for Crime Prevention (Lynne Featherstone)]

Today I am publishing a consultation on the community and ancillary sellers’ notice (CAN). The CAN will allow particular low-risk businesses and community groups to sell a small amount of alcohol, while providing appropriate, light-touch controls. This new authorisation under the Licensing Act 2003 has been introduced in the Deregulation Bill, which is currently being considered by Parliament. This consultation asks for views on the details that will be set out in regulations.

Under existing arrangements small accommodation providers such as bed and breakfasts and community groups are subject to the same licensing regime and scrutiny as businesses which sell much higher quantities of alcohol including large hotels and off-licences. These groups have told us that these requirements are heavy handed for those who want to sell small amounts of alcohol as part of a wider service. The coalition Government are committed to reducing the unnecessary burdens on responsible businesses, but not at the expense of undermining safeguards against crime and disorder or public nuisance and we want to get this balance right. I hope that all those with an interest in this matter will respond to the consultation.

A copy of the consultation document will be placed in the Library of the House.