§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received advocating a relaxation in the standards required of persons applying for a licence to retail alcoholic liquor, particularly with regard to off-licence holders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. Friend has received no such representations. The licensing justices must be satisfied that an applicant for a liquor licence is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, and we have no plans to relax that requirement.
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department issues guidelines to licensing magistrates regarding the criteria for the granting of on and off licences for the sale of alcoholic beverages; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorNo such guidelines are issued, nor would they be appropriate; subject to the matters on which the law requires the justices to be satisfied, the grant of an on or off licence is wholly within their discretion.