§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to amend the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, section 1 and schedule 1 (Licensing of Public Entertainments) to provide that licences attach to the premises and are not personal to the particular applicant; and if he will make a statement on the implications of the present statutory provisions for the enforcement of safety regulations.
§ Mr. MellorUnder section 1 of and schedule 1 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, a public entertainment licence is granted to a particular person but in respect of particular premises. It is essential that the licence should be granted to an individual so that he can be held responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the licence (including those relating to safety) are complied with. If he fails to comply, he renders himself liable to criminal proceedings and the licence itself may also be revoked. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to amend the legislation, nor are we aware that it has led to difficulties of enforcement of safety regulations