On Tuesday 14 October the first oral evidence session for the public inquiry into the Licensing Act 2003 is to be held in Committee Room 15, Houses of Parliament, starting at 10.30am:
http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/culture__media_and_sport/meetings.cfm

Witnesses giving evidence:

10.30-11.10am: Local Government Association; Association of Town Centre Management
11.10-11.50am: Association of Chief Police Officers; Police Federation
11.50am-? : The Magistrates' Association

The terms of reference for the inquiry were published by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 18 July:

- Whether there has been any change in levels of public nuisance, numbers of night-time offences or perceptions of public safety since the Act came into force;

- The impact of the Act on the performance of live music;

- The financial impact of the Act on sporting and social clubs;

- Whether the Act has led, or looks likely to lead, to a reduction in bureaucracy for those applying for licences under the new regime and for those administering it;

- Whether the anticipated financial savings for relevant industries will be realised.

And other areas of interest that are raised during the course of the inquiry.

See:
http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/culture__media_and_sport/cms080718pn051.cfm

ENDS

Hamish Birchall