Written statement on Government Response to the House of Lords Liaison Committee Report on the Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Licensing Act 2003 – Follow Up Report - Nov 8

Minister of State (Chris Philp): This Government recognises that the majority of people drink at lower-risk levels and enjoy alcohol as part of socialising both at home and out and about. However, we also recognise that alcohol related harms remain of concern and need to be addressed.

The Government believes that the Licensing Act 2003 sets out a clear and effective legislative framework to regulate licensable activities nationally balanced with considerable local autonomy allowing areas to develop their own localities and economies based on their unique character and needs. We keep the Act under review and continue to work closely with licensing practitioners to ensure the regime remains fit for purpose and meets emerging challenges such as new digital technologies. There is a considerable body of good practice around implementation of the licensing regime for areas to draw on where needed.

We are taking forward an ambitious programme work to tackle alcohol-related harms including the biggest reform of alcohol duties for over 140 years, the introduction of the Alcohol Abstinence Monitoring Requirement and Alcohol monitoring on Licence, and a strong programme of work to address alcohol-related health harms and their impact on life chances.

We welcome this follow up report from the Committee and have given careful consideration to all of the additional recommendations.

The Government Response to the Committee’s follow up Report (CP 753) has been laid before the House today and will be published on GOV.UK.