Councils call for more power to block new licences

It’s been reported that councils are demanding new powers to stop new pubs, bars and off-licences from opening to stop streets becoming victims of ‘Booze Street Britain’. The Local Government Association has been critical that councils are forced to ignore advice from health officials when deciding whether to approve new licenses. Despite having responsibility for public health councils complain that licensing laws do not recognise local health concerns. 

The Independent.