Lords to ask: what is the impact of licensing laws on the night-time economy?
How can a balance be struck between the interests of a night-time economy and the needs of local residents? What impact has the Night Tube had on London? Does pre-loading lead to crime and disorder? Should licensing and planning regimes be merged?
These are some of the questions which the Lords Committee on the Licensing Act 2003 will address next week, Tuesday 29 November, in two evidence sessions.
It will hear from those at the heart of the night-time economy as well as legal and environmental health experts.
In an evidence session beginning at 11.30am, the Committee will take evidence from Alan Miller, Night Time Industries Association, Peter Marks, Deltic Group, Ron Reid, Shoosmith's, on behalf of McDonald's and Ibrahim Dogus, British Kebab and Retail Awards.
They will be asked about:
- The Night Tube in London and its effects
- Pre-loading and its impact on the night-time economy and residents
- Lessons to be learned from the closure and re-opening of Fabric nightclub
- Responsibilities of takeaways and other non-alcohol based premises
- What UK night-time economies can learn from other international cities
At an earlier evidence session, starting at 10.30am, the Committee will hear from Leenamari Aantaa-Collier, Wilkes Partnership LLP, solicitors, Birmingham, Tony Lyons, partner, Kuit Steinart Levy LLP, solicitors, Manchester, Karl Suschitzky, Environmental Health Officer, Derby City Council and Peter Rogers, Sustainable Acoustics.
They will be asked about:
- Effectiveness of the Licensing Act
- How it works alongside planning law
- The role of environmental health enforcement
- Whether licensing should become part of the planning regime
The evidence sessions will start at 10.30am next Tuesday 29 November in Committee Room 3A.
