Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional legal powers of local authorities to assess the suitability of applications by premises for the sale of alcohol.

The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol in licensed premises across England and Wales and devolves decision-making to local licensing authorities.

The Act sets out four statutory licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Licensing committees can utilise a number of discretionary powers set out in the Licensing Act should they decide it is appropriate to do so – for example by introducing a cumulative impact assessment. Responsible authorities as set out in the Act can submit representations to the licensing committee to help inform decision making and flag concerns. Local residents can submit representations on individual licensing applications.