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Those businesses that have been granted extended opening hours will be
able to start staying open longer when the new laws come into force.
Associate Andrew Heeler commented,
“There has been strong speculation that the Government would delay
the introduction of the new licensing laws to give everyone involved
more preparation time. Now, we know that the new laws will be in
force in time for the Christmas festivities.”
Licence holders have been able to
convert their current licences or apply for a new licence since
February. The deadline for converting a licence is 6th August, after
which licence holders will have to apply for a new licence which is
often more expensive.
Mr Heeler remarked, “Time is running
our for licence holders to convert their licences.
Most pubs, clubs & restaurants will
have to apply for a premises license for which they must submit a
plan of their premises with the application. If they don’t already
have a plan, it can take about 3 weeks before the plans are ready
which could delay their application.”
“We know that there are still a
large number of people who have yet to apply, perhaps as they
thought the new laws would not come into effect so soon. Officially,
every business that sells alcohol, puts on entertainment, or serves
hot food after 11 pm must have converted their current licence or
applied for a new licence by 24th November or they will not be
allowed to trade,” he warned.
June 2005 |
