Licensing Laws are a £97 Million Loss for Local Government

On the publication of the final report of the Independent Fees Review Panel on the Licensing Act (the ‘Elton Review’), Don said:

“The Government have failed to act on the Elton Review’s key initial recommendations published over a year ago. They can’t be allowed to fail again.

"Local council funding has been squeezed to the pip, so it's essential their not left further out of pocket because of these new licensing laws.

"The danger of a shortfall is not just higher council tax bills but inadequate local resources to tackle excessive drinking.

"I'm delighted Elton agrees with my campaign to ensure nightclubs aren't let off the hook when it comes to paying for the costs of alcohol-fuelled violence.

"The loophole was so incredulous that one entertainment group congratulated itself at the time for 'playing a blinder' by fooling the Government.

"Elton's evidence on the damaging impact licence fees have had on rural pubs demonstrates again that Labour is an urban party with urban concerns.

"Relief for rural pubs and community organisations must be adopted immediately."

ENDS

This article published: 25/01/2024

Published by Bath Liberal Democrats, 31 James St West, Bath, BA1 2BT. Printed and hosted by JPC Infonet, 2 St Georges Works, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AA. Your Privacy.