§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legislation applies in respect of places of entertainment which wish to remain open over midnight on Sunday 24 December and Sunday 31 December 1995; and in what circumstances such venues may remain open. [5353]
§ Mr. KirkhopeThe following legislation applies every day of the year: The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and the London Government Act 1963 require places providing music and dancing to be subject to licences which may stipulate the times, including beyond midnight, during which music and dancing may take place. The Licensing Act 1964 provides for the holders of such licences to the granted special hours certificates, or special orders of exemption, both of which may permit the sale of alcohol beyond midnight. In addition, the Sunday Observance Act 1780 prohibits charging for admission to a public dance held on a Sunday.