Draft Licensing Act 2003 (Coronation Licensing Hours) Order 2023

Sarah Jones Excerpts

Monday 27th March 2023 General Committees

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer.

Members will be happy to hear that I do not intend to speak for long on this matter, and I am happy to agree with the Minister about everything she has said. The draft order amends the Licensing Act to allow licensed premises and clubs to sell alcohol for more than two hours, if they so desire, on three evenings around the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023. I will not be alone in looking forward to the coronation of His Majesty, and I will welcome the opportunity to spend a little more time in the pub to raise a glass to the King.

I am reassured that the extension applies only to sales and supply for on-site consumption, as I believe that this will mitigate any hijinks that might cause some unwanted antisocial behaviour or loud drunkenness. I am also reassured that police forces are supportive of the extension for the coronation, as it is they who will have to deal with any alcohol-related crime and disorder, but I hope that the Minister will be alive to anxieties that local authorities and forces may have around the celebrations.

The economic note notes that the main benefit of the draft order is meeting the public expectation to celebrate the King’s coronation, which is “an unquantifiable social benefit”. I know that many of my constituents will agree, and I also know that many of the fantastic licensed premises in my constituency and others will be glad not to have to secure a temporary event notice. I am happy to support the proposals and wish all Members a very enjoyable coronation weekend.