News: Alcohol Disorder Zone

• Date: 29/11/2007
• Author/Solicitor: Jeremy Allen

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The Home Office has published draft Alcohol Disorder Zone (ADZ) Regulations. It presented them to Parliament on 21st November without publicity. We heard rumours on 27th and obtained them yesterday. They can now be seen at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/dsis2007.htm, you then scroll down to the heading for Police, England and Wales and then onto the Regulations. There is an explanatory note with them which explains what they're all about. The Guidance, expected to accompany the Regulations, has not yet been published. The Draft Guidance can be found on the Home Office website and their expressed intention is to update this in response to any further consultation. They also propose to take account of any wider issues raised during Parliament's scrutiny of the Regulations.

The draft Regulations propose that charges will apply to licensed premises based on their rateable value and opening hours. Failure to pay the fee could lead to the licence being suspended. Certain businesses where the principal use of the premises doesn't involve the sale or supply of alcohol would be exempt. ADZs are likely to be debated in Parliament in January. It is expected that the Regulations could come into force from February onwards.

For further information, please contact Jeremy Allen .

Susanna Poppleston, Senior Partner

Susanna is a founding partner of the business and recognised industry commentator as well as being one of only two star-rated solicitors in the licensing field.

She is a highly respected advocate, an accomplished speaker and co-author of the definitive guide to the 2003 licensing act.

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