Alcohol
Policing and Crime Act
The Policing and Crime Act was passed by Parliament in November 2009. The Bill introduces new powers to tackle problem drinking.
The Act contains a range of new powers which include:
An Amendment to the Licensing Act 2003 to allow members of a licensing authority to act as interested parties and make representations relating to a licence application/ review
Reducing the number of ‘strikes’ for the offence of persistent sale of alcohol to children from “three strikes to two strikes”. This means that is a retailers is caught selling alcohol on two occasions in three months can face up to £10,000 fine, three months suspension of alcohol licence (if selling was premises licence holder) or a 48 hours closure notice.
New powers relating to the confiscation of alcohol from under 18’s
New offence of persistently possessing alcohol in a public place by under 18’s
Extending Directions to Leave to cover those aged 10 or over
The Home Office has confirmed that these will come into action from Friday 29 January 2010.
ACS offers a licensing helpline for its members. For more information click here.
Mandatory Code of Practice
The Act also contained provisions to allow the Home Secretary to impose up to nine mandatory licensing conditions on all alcohol license. There is still discussions on going between the various Government Departments and ACS will continue to lobby to ensure these conditions are proportionate and do not unnecessarily burden local shops.
The Home Office released a consultation in 2009 on possible conditions to be included in the code. Download ACS response to ‘Safe Sensible Social – Selling Alcohol Responsibly:
Safe, Sensible, Social ACS Response