§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the current number of off-licence outlets for sales of alcohol; if he plans to take any steps to seek to restrict this number; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe total number of off-licensed premises at 30 June 1986 was 43,891 (published at table 1 of "Liquor Licensing Statistics, England and Wales, July 1985-June 1986": Home Office statistical bulletin, 37/86). We have no plans to seek to restrict the number of premises granted an off-licence. It is open to the licensing justices, when considering new applications, to take into account the number of licensed outlets already in the area.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to introduce legislation to bring the law on off-licences in line with that for the grant of on-licences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonWe have at present no plans to do so.