Licensing Laws

Mr. Don Foster
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress her Department has made in its review of the Guidance issued to Licensing Authorities on the discharge of their functions under the Licensing Act 2003; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Woodward
Following representations from local authorities, we have adjusted our timetable for consultation on the draft revised guidance. This is to conform with the statutory requirement for local authorities to review their licensing policies every three years. The Secretary of State now expects to begin the public consultation exercise in January 2007 with a view to issuing the final revised guidance in spring 2007. This should allow licensing authorities to make any necessary changes to their licensing policies and consult on them once before the next three-year licensing policy period begins in January 2008. Earlier consultation may have resulted in licensing authorities having to consult twice before that date.