A pub industry group has commended the Night Time Commission in London for supporting the sector and the wider late-night economy.According to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), London boasts one of the most vibrant night-time economies in the world. However, it is concerned that restrictions such as late-night levies and inconsistent use of licensing law are adversely affecting premises that trade in the early hours and undermine effective voluntary partnership working.
The BBPA has therefore said it is pleased the Night Time Commission is supporting partnership initiatives such as Pubwatch, Business Improvement Districts, Best Bar None, Purple Flag, Street Pastors, and Community Alcohol Partnerships, as they provide “effective solutions to local issues”.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said it opposes the imposition of late-night levies or blanket licensing conditions, as the night-time economy is better supported by partnership working between the trade and bodies such as the Commission and the Night Czar.
She went on to welcome the Commission’s backing of the Agent of Principle, as it will make developers of new homes responsible for taking steps to make sure existing pubs and new leisure facilities are “protected from complaints from those who move to live nearby”.
Last month, ministers confirmed housing developers are to be held responsible for addressing noise issues if they are building homes near music venues.
The National Planning Policy Framework will be modified to include detailed reference to the Agent of Change principle, which means that if developers are granted permission to build near music venues, they would be responsible for identifying and solving any sound problems.
It is hoped this change will prevent late-night venues being forced into making costly changes after new residents move into the area, as well as stop noise complaints being made against premises that are hosting live music.
For further information on any of the points raised in this article please contact Robert Botkai in our Commercial Real Estate and Licensing department.