As part of the obligatory triannual review process, Camden and Westminster have consulted on changes to their Licensing Policies. Camden has made no substantial changes. In Westminster, there are no proposals to reduce or enlarge the stress areas or change the general nature of the policies but they do propose:

• A presumption that premises operating as a bona fide restaurant with a table meal condition be granted operating hours of up to 1am.
• Where an application is made for a Review of a Licence in the Stress Area, the Council will take into consideration the cumulative impact of licensing premises when determining the application.

The Westminster Consultation has now closed. It is possible most residents groups will object to the extended hours for restaurants so it may be that the proposals do not find their way into the revised policy.

Alcohol Disorder Zones

The legislation in relation to Alcohol Disorder Zones ("ADZ") has now come into effect with draft Regulations also having been published.

Cost to License Holders

For areas designated as ADZs, local authorities are able to recoup a monthly charge from persons who hold a premises licence/club premises certificate.

The costs will be divided between the premises in the ADZ. A local authority shall score each premises. A score shall be given for each of the following two criteria:

(a) premises rateable value; and
(b) hours of opening.

Exemption from the charge

Exemptions from the charge are potentially available to any licence holder in an ADZ where:

(a) the principal use of the premises does not consist in or include the sale or supply of alcohol; and
(b) the availability of alcohol on those premises is not the main reason why individuals enter.

License holders can also benefit from a discounted charge for several reasons such as:

(c) having implemented, in whole or in part, the steps set out in the action plan relating to the designation of the ADZ in question which are applicable to him; or
(d) being a member of the "Best Bar None" or other similar recognised accreditation scheme.

New Closure powers

Today the new Summary Review powers come into effect where:

(a) a Police Superintendent gives a certificate that it is his opinion that the premises are associated with serious crime or serious disorder or both;
(b) on receipt of such an application, the relevant licensing authority must:

• within 48 hours of the time of its receipt, consider whether it is necessary to take interim steps; and
• within 28 days after the day of its receipt, review the licence.

Interim Steps Pending Review

Consideration may take place without the holder of the premises licence having been given an opportunity to make representations to the relevant licensing authority.

Interim steps include:

(a) the modification of the conditions;
(b) the exclusion of the sale of alcohol;
(c) the removal of the DPS from the licence;
(d) the suspension of the licence.