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UK Parliament

Government ministers give evidence to Licensing Committee

13 December 2016

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In its final evidence session, two Government ministers are questioned by the Select Committee on the Licensing Act 2003 on whether licensing and alcohol sales are working.

Witnesses

Tuesday 13 December, Committee Room 3A, Palace of Westminster

At 10.30am

  • Sarah Newton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, Home Office
  • Nicola Blackwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Innovation, Department of Health

Areas of discussion

Over six months the Committee's inquiry heard evidence claiming that:

  • the licensing committee system is failing and should be aligned with planning
  • appeals should no longer go to magistrates' courts
  • legislation has not kept pace with a huge growth in off-trade and online sales
  • minimum unit pricing would be an effective control on alcohol abuse
  • loopholes in the law are likely to lead to serious alcohol-related issues at airports
  • the night-time economy is skewed against local residents

The Committee put all these points, as well as other questions, to the Ministers and ask for their views.

Further information

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