The Government has now published its draft Order containing proposals to allow the relaxation of licensing hours during a special holiday weekend to mark the occasion of the Queens Diamond Jubilee in June 2012.

It is proposed that premises will be allowed to extend the licensing hours on Friday 1st June and Saturday 2nd June to 1.00am the following morning. This would apply to premises licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment in licensed premises in England and Wales.

The extension of hours would only apply to those premises where licensable activities are already authorised to be carried out up to or after 11pm on each of those days.

In respect of premises licensed for late night refreshment, the extended hours would only apply where the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises is authorised at the same time.

Unlicensed premises would not benefit from the relaxation nor would it apply to the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises (off sales).

Any business may consider submitting Temporary Event Notices if they wish to extend licensing hours beyond those contained in the draft order or allow any additional licensable activities.Temporary Event Notices must be received by the Council and Police no later than Thursday 17th May to be effective for Ist June and no later than Friday 18th May to be effective for 2nd, 3rd or 4th June.

The draft Order will not be effective until it receives approval of both Houses of Parliament.The Licensing Team at Fraser Brown are happy to help you with any queries you may have regarding this matter.

Please contact Jo Soar on 0115 9888777 or email jsoar@fraserbrown.com