Covent Garden London
The heart of London's West End
Licensing reforms?
The Government's proposals to deregulate the licensing of alcohol, entertainment and night cafés were published in the form of a 'White Paper' by the Home Office in April.
The consultation period has now closed and the responses, mainly from community groups and the leisure & entertainment industry, are now being analysed. It is not yet clear when ministers will wish to bring the proposed legislation to Parliament.
Various central London community groups have made a detailed study of the proposals and have carefully considered how the proposals might benefit residents and communities. The overwhelming majority has indicated they are not convinced the proposals address the issues that concern residents at the moment.
Westminster and Camden Councils have joined forces to oppose the Government's proposals, together with Islington and Hammersmith & Fulham. A joint photocall took place on 31st July, with the Leader of Camden Council, the Chairwoman of Westminster's Licensing Committee and the Chairwoman of the CGCA.
- Westminster City Council press release
- Camden Council press notice for Covent Garden photocall
- Camden Council condemns Home Office proposals for a 24-hour society
Below are links to the CGCA comments to the Home Office and those of other organisations, together with links to the White Paper, press coverage and related reports.
- Detailed responses on the White Paper by central London organisations:
- CGCA response
- Soho Society's response: Nessun dorma (Adobe Acrobat PDF file 178KB)
- Soho Society's press release & notes for editors
- Police Licensing Working Group response
- Home Office: full text of the White Paper - Time for Reform: Proposals for the Modernisation of Our Licensing Laws
- Evening Standard 2nd August 2000: liberating London day and night
- Further links to:
- Good Night Out
- Better Regulation Task Force's comments on Licensing (Cabinet Office)
© Covent Garden Community Association, August 2000
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