The ALMR has called on the Government to provide clear and simple guidance for operators before the introduction of changes to the Licensing Act 2003.
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 due to take effect in April giving licensing authorities powers to suspend or revoke licences and introduces a single appeal against Interim Steps for the Licence Holder.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The lack of clear and robust guidance around the use of summary review powers has been a major source of concern for operators and is one which we have been pressing for change on for some considerable time.
“Any powers handed to local authorities must be effective, but they also be used only when appropriate. There is a danger here that new powers may be used for relatively insignificant incidents.
“It is clear that there is considerable uncertainty around when these draconian powers should be used and how they should be applied. Practical powers should only be applied when there is a serious risk of crime and disorder and we very much hope that the Government will issue robust guidance to give direction to police and local authorities.”