§ 2. Mr. David Watts (St. Helens, North)What plans he has to change the licensing hours for public houses and clubs. [112573]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Mike O'Brien)We have been looking at licensing hours as part of our review of licensing law. We shall shortly publish a White Paper setting out our legislative proposals for reform of the licensing system as a whole.
§ Mr. WattsI thank the Minister for his reply. May I draw his attention to the fact that several private 4 members' clubs are worried about the implications of the proposals? Would he meet a delegation from that group to try to resolve their concerns?
§ Mr. O'BrienI have already met some representatives of private members' clubs to discuss their concerns. I assure my hon. Friend that I shall take on board the points that they made. When the White Paper is published, they will see that we have taken cognisance of their concerns.
§ Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle)As the media appear to have been briefed that it is in the Government's mind to introduce 24-hour licensing, will the Minister ensure that in his White Paper he sets out very clearly the measures that the Government propose to take to protect those private householders who live near pubs and clubs and who need to sleep between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am?
§ Mr. O'BrienWe think that there is a good case for greater flexibility in opening hours, but we need to take care that the new laws, which may well in due course come forward, take account of the interests of people who live near licensed premises as well as of those who would seek to use them. I certainly hope that, in due course, when we bring forward our proposals, there will be a proper balance between the interests of those who live near public houses or other licensed premises and want to ensure that they are not disturbed by unnecessary nuisance or disorder, and the interests of those who wish to use licensed premises in order, quite properly, to enjoy themselves.