Clause 98 - Temporary event notice
Licensing Bill [Lords]
10:15 am
Dr Kim Howells (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Pontypridd, Labour)
Yes, probably a good deal harder. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman acknowledges that it is never easy to strike such balances and introduce such safeguards.
I want to answer some of the questions asked by the hon. Member for Isle of Wight when he spoke to amendments Nos. 417 and 418. I doubt whether the public would thank us if we put alcohol that is sold on a temporary basis outside the licensing regime. The hon. Gentleman tried to clarify why he framed the amendments in such a way. As they stand, the proposals could open up a way for alcohol to be supplied without a notice or an objection by anyone, except the police on the grounds of crime and disorder, for up to a fortnight at a time. I think that he would acknowledge that several problems could be generated by such a scenario. In a sense, he has admitted that by hedging around his proposals. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman does not wish events of such length at which alcohol is provided to be treated in that way.
Licensable activities are the sale by retail of alcohol, the supply of alcohol by a club and the provision of regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment.
The hon. Gentleman referred to agricultural shows, as did several hon. Members. Most agricultural shows are attended by more than 499 people, so they go above the limit and would need a premises licence for a temporary period. Those licences can be obtained by applying for them. We will come on to the figure of 500 in a moment, because I want to make that clear to him. Most, if not all, agricultural shows apply for proper premises licences and temporary event notices or the current equivalent, and there is a long practice of that. They are usually very big events and they want to cover themselves for all eventualities.