The Home Office has launched a consultation asking for opinions on government plans to overhaul the current licensing regime, in order to give more power to local authorities and police. The aim is to deal more effectively with alcohol-related crime and disorder, while also promoting responsible business.

The proposals include:

• overhauling the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licences from, or refuse to grant licences to premises that are causing problems
• allowing councils and the police to permanently shut down any shop or bar that is repeatedly selling alcohol to children
• doubling the maximum fine for those caught selling alcohol to minors to £20,000
• allowing local councils to charge more for late-night licences, which will help pay for additional policing
• banning the sale of alcohol below cost price

The necessary forms to offer your view can be found here

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