§ 2.50 p.m.
§ Viscount HanworthMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the position of owners of public houses would be improved by accepting that they need not open before midday.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, it is already the case that the licensce need not open before midday if he does not want to.
§ Viscount HanworthMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply. I think she appreciates that I did in fact find that out after putting down the Question. But for my benefit and for the benefit of the rest of the House, can she tell us precisely what the regulations are? Might I further ask her whether she does not feel, as I feel, that the English pub is something unique and that nothing should be done to destroy that pub by widening the opening hours? Would she not think it would also have an adverse 404 effect for people travelling in the country, and possibly also on the drink and drive problem?
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, the permitted hours in England and Wales during which liquor may be supplied in on-licensed premises are as follows: on ordinary weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.—or to 11 p.m. in the metropolis and in any other parts of the country if the justices so decide. The noble Viscount will of course know that justices are permitted to make variations when licensees apply to them.
In answer to his other question, most people think that our opening hours are too restrictive; but any relaxation of the laws in England and Wales on permitted hours which could lead to longer opening hours must be compatible with the Government's strategy for helping to prevent alcohol misuse. We have to balance the risk that longer opening hours might increase alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems against the benefits to individuals and to the tourism and leisure industries.