Kebab shops, burger bars and hotdog vans could be shut down if they are attracting alcohol-fuelled violence and rowdy behaviour after the pubs have shut, Licensing Minister, Richard Caborn warns.
In early 2005 phase one of the modernisation of our old fashioned licensing laws will begin and, as well as bringing all pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels under one system, all late-night takeaways will have to be licensed – even if they don’t sell alcohol. Currently only takeaways in London are licensed.
This means that, for the first time, local residents and businesses will have a say in how late take-aways can stay open. So, if you are kept awake at night by drunken louts flocking around a kebab shop in your neighbourhood, you can do something about it. Takeaways which attract rowdy and anti-social behaviour will also be subject to tough new powers which will enable police officers to shut them down for up to 24 hours if they are disrupting the local neighbourhood.
What they say
Richard Caborn said: "Late night takeaways are often a magnet for violence and anti-social behaviour on Friday and Saturday nights as beered up revellers spill out of bars and pubs at the same time in search of a burger or a doner. We’re going to give local residents a say in whether they have a late night chippie or kebab shop on their street corner by bringing them under control of the new Licensing Act. This will help stop a night out turning into someone else’s nightmare." Bob Saunders, Director of Community Protection at Wigan Council, said: "Late night takeaways can be a flashpoint for violence and public disorder. Wigan Council welcomes the opportunity to licence such premises so that we can tackle problems if they do arise and ensure a safer night out for everyone." Malcolm Evans, Chief Regulatory Services Officer from Cardiff County Council, said: "The council welcomes this opportunity to implement the new licensing regime in consultation with local residents to ensure that those selling hot food late at night will operate safely and that the possibility of disorderly drunken behaviour causing nuisance is greatly reduced." From February 7, licensing authorities can begin processing applications for licences under the new system. About November 2005 will see the end to old licensing regimes. New premises licences and club premises certificates will take effect. The four key objectives of the Licensing Act, the Department for Culture says, are: prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
