143/04
27 October 2004
Number Of Bars, Restaurants And Off-Licences Revealed
There are now 160,000 licensed premises – 113,400 on-licence and 46,600 off-licence – in England and Wales, a fall of around 2 per cent compared to last year, according to new figures published today.
The Liquor Licensing statistics, published every three years, show:
- the number of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants has risen by 3 per cent since the last publication in 2001, but has fallen by around 1.5 per cent since 2003;
- the number of off-licences has risen by 5 per cent since 2001, but has fallen by around 2 per cent since 2003;
- 350 licences were revoked in the 12 months to June 2004 – 270 of which were on-licences; and
- over 5,000 new applications were made for on-licence and 2,950 for off-licence.
The statistics show that central London, Cumbria, the Isle of Wight, North Yorkshire and Devon & Cornwall, areas with important tourism industries, have the highest densities of on-licensed premises per head of population, while lowest densities are found in parts of outer London and in areas of the Midlands including the West Midlands, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.
Licensing Minister, Richard Caborn, said:
“We are currently in the throes of the most radical shake-up of our licensing laws in 40 years. Those licensees who renewed their licences this year will see the system massively simplified once six licences become one next year.
“Our outdated licensing laws are being brought into the 21st Century for the benefit of the whole community. For the first time local businesses and residents will have a say in licensing decisions which will affect them – if you’re not happy with a rowdy bar at the end of your street you can ask for its licence to be reviewed. Police will also have more powers to take action against rogue premises and drinkers.
“We know that the majority of alcohol-related violence occurs at throwing out time – 11pm and 2am when everyone spills out on to the streets to battle for taxis, buses or kebabs. Flexible opening hours will reduce the number of people on the street at any one time and reduce the chances of violence, thus taking pressure off the police. Only two per cent of licensed premises say they will seek 24-hour opening, with most simply wanting to open for an hour or so longer at weekends.
“I am confident these reforms will help create a safe, sustainable and vibrant evening economy that everyone can enjoy.”
Notes to Editors
1. A full copy of the publication is available on the DCMS website.
2. On 10 July, the Licensing Act 2003 received Royal Assent. The new Act provides a balanced package of freedoms and safeguards. It will clamp down on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour perpetrated by a minority and give the responsible majority more freedom and choice about how they spend their leisure time.
3. The four key objectives of the Licensing Act are:
- the prevention of crime and disorder;
- public safety;
- the prevention of public nuisance, and;
- the protection of children from harm.
4. Powers available to tackle rogue premises and binge drinkers are:
- Power to close down a licensed premises instantly where there is or is likely to be disorder for up to 24 hours.
- Power to close down a licensed premises instantly where public nuisance is being caused by noise for up to 24 hours.
- Power to close down several premises in an area near disorder, or expected disorder for up to 24 hours.
- Power to review licences when problems arise – instead of waiting for renewals.
- The power, following a review, to modify conditions of the licence (ie changing trading hours), exclude certain licensable activities from the scope of the licence, to remove the designated premises supervisor from the licence, to suspend the licence for up to 3 months or to revoke the licence.
- Extended powers to confiscate alcohol in public places.
- Fixed penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly.
Press Enquiries: 020 7 211 6271
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7 211 6200
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