Clause 19 - Closure of certain licensed premises due todisorder or disturbance
Criminal Justice and Police Bill
8:35 pm
Mr Charles Clarke (Minister of State, Home Office; Norwich South, Labour)
I am certainly willing to consider whether we can offer flexibility along the lines suggested by the hon. Gentleman. I understand his argument in that he is trying to give the whip hand to the licensees whereby they can say, ``If we are ready to go, we are ready to go. Let us do it as rapidly as possible.'' I understand the merit in that. I will need to take advice on the feasibility of such action in terms of the legislation that could be considered. I am willing to consider the matter, however, to see whether anything further can be done.