HL Deb 14 September 2001 vol 627 cc45-6WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether councils have statutory duties to ensure that licensees implement appropriate public safety measures in public houses and restaurants for all activities taking place, irrespective of whether those activities require a public entertainment licence. [HL670]

The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)

Responsibility for enforcing health and safety legislation in England and Wales is shared by the Health and Safety Executive and the local authorities, but in the case of on-licensed premises is mainly the responsibility of the local authority. In addition, under the current law, licensing justices may seek undertakings relating to public safety measures in on-licensed premises before granting liquor licences; and local authorities may attach reasonable terms and conditions relating to public safety to public entertainment licences.

Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has responsibility for public entertainment licensing; and how they ensure that any advice they give is consistent. [HL669]

Baroness Blackstone

Responsibility for public entertainment licensing policy was transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 8 June this year. The administration and enforcement of public entertainment licensing law remain the statutory responsibility of the local authorities. The department offers advice where it can be helpful to inquirers; but the interpretation of public entertainment licensing law is ultimately a matter for the courts. Whenever it has been considered necessary to issue guidance to local authorities for the promotion of consistency in good practice, the Home Office approach has been to issue circulars to local authorities, thus ensuring that the same guidance reaches all. Where possible circulars have been issued jointly with the Local Government Association. We expect to adopt a similar practice.