Supplementary written evidence from the
Department for Social Development
On liquor licensing the current review was instigated
in early 2004 following representations by the PSNI, the licensed
trade and clubs.
David Hanson, Minister for Social Development
launched the consultation on 1 November 2005 and it finished at
the end of January. We are currently analysing the responses to
the legislation, and Minister will be making a statement in early
summer on how he intends to proceed with new legislation. You
will understand that in advance of this we can only focus today
on the rationale behind the proposals.
There are six objectives proposed to underpin
licensing policy. Key among these are prevention of crime and
disorder. The Minister's proposals developed from close working
between DSO and PSNI, NIO and the NI Court Service and DHSSPS
and involved extensive pre-consultation with a wide range of Organised
Crime Task Force (OCTF) interests including the licensed trade,
the retail trade, the tourism and hospitality sector and registered
clubs. They were developed also in the context of the Department's
involvement in the NICS Inter-Departmental Working Group on Organised
Crime which is an element of the OCTF.
The proposed changes to the liquor licensing
system are aimed at strengthening the endorsement powers available
to PSNI in dealing with problems in licensed premises of all types.
They are designed to create a more open and rigorous licensing
system. A critical element is the introduction of a personal licence
which will be required by anyone wishing to run a licensed business.
Anyone applying for a personal licence will need to prove that
they are a fit and proper person to run a licensed business, including
having adequate skills and knowledge of the licensed trade and
a clean background.
Ministers believe therefore that the package
of measures will make it more difficult for organised crime to
enter the licensing trade.
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