Fraser Brown Solicitors’ Leisure Industry Team specialises in providing licensees with a complete package of support, covering everything from commercial property issues to employment matters. Joanne Soar is a licensing specialist within the team, Peter Thornley is the firm’s Managing Partner and Commercial Property expert.
At the moment pubs, bars and other licensed premises are in the spotlight. Government drives to reduce antisocial behaviour and curb excessive drinking have meant increased legislation on top of already heavy bureaucracy.
Joanne Soar, of Fraser Brown’s Licensing Team says that the clampdown means many licensees are coming up against regulations more frequently than ever before and feel under increased pressure from the growing burden.
“The level of concern over the availability and consumption of alcohol has resulted in so much increased legislation that some licensees are beginning to feel they are being unfairly penalised.
“For example, it now only takes one complaint from a resident living near to licensed premises for the Environmental Health Department to begin investigating whether there is an issue – but licensees are finding it harder than ever to contain any noise since customers have been forced outside by the smoking ban.
A new provision under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 came into force at the beginning of December to give the police yet more powers to close premises. This is in addition to the Licensing Act 2003 and the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 which also allow police to serve closure notices.
“Now the Queen’s speech has announced plans for the introduction of even more legislation in 2009, including restrictions on drinks promotions and selling prices. With hundreds of licensees already battling hard to stay afloat in the current climate, these additional regulations could have far reaching implications.”
Peter Thornley, added, “This is a difficult time for the licensed sector and these increases in legislation simply serve to exacerbate this. With so many premises closing or under threat, there is an immediate need to support licensees and their businesses rather than penalise them.”
For more information about Fraser Brown’s licensing services, visit www.fraserbrown.co.uk or call 0115 9 888 777.
Fraser Brown is a dynamic law practice working at premises in Nottinghamshire through its branches in Nottingham, Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham.
Its philosophy is to deliver superior legal advice through a personal and highly professional service for both commercial and private clients. Since 1990, Fraser Brown has acquired eight established and respected local firms as part of its major growth strategy for doing business in the 21st Century.
Fraser Brown is one of the region's longest established firms of solicitors. Over the last 12 months, it has experienced significant growth in areas such as property, contract work, construction and general litigation.