New figures show dip in bars and off licences

There are now 160,000 licensed premises - 113,400 on-licence and 46,600 off-licence - in England and Wales, a fall of around 2% compared to last year, according to new figures published today.

The Liquor Licensing statistics, published every three years, show that the number of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants has risen by 3% since the last publication in 2001, but has fallen by around 1.5% since 2003. And the number of off-licences has risen by 5% since 2001, but has fallen by around 2% since 2003.

The statistics show that central London, Cumbria, the Isle of Wight, North Yorkshire and Devon and Cornwall, areas with important tourism industries, have the highest densities of on-licensed premises per head of population, while lowest densities are found in parts of outer London and in areas of the Midlands including the West Midlands, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.

Licensing Minister, Richard Caborn, said: "We are currently in the throes of the most radical shake-up of our licensing laws in 40 years. Those licensees who renewed their licences this year will see the system massively simplified once six licences become one next year.

"Our outdated licensing laws are being brought into the 21st Century for the benefit of the whole community. For the first time local businesses and residents will have a say in licensing decisions which will affect them - if you're not happy with a rowdy bar at the end of your street you can ask for its licence to be reviewed. Police will also have more powers to take action against rogue premises and drinkers."

The Licensing Act 2003 has been designed to clamp down on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and give responsible people more freedom and choice about how they spend their leisure time.

(gmcg/mb)