2008 Licensing statistics published

117/08
30 October 2008

207,800 licences and certificates were in force in England and Wales on 31 March 2008, with late night refreshment, live music and 24 hour alcohol licences all showing a small increase in the numbers issued in the last year, according to new statistics published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The statistics show that hotels and supermarkets still make up the vast majority of 24 hour licences held, and that police and local authorities are increasingly using tough enforcement powers to tackle the small number of premises where problems occur.

The figures, based on returns from 97 per cent of licensing authorities, show that, as of 31 March 2008, there were 190,800 premises licences in England and Wales and 17,100 club premises certificates. Of those:

  • 155,400 licences and certificates in force were authorised to sell alcohol (based on 85 per cent response rate)
  • 36,300 of which are licensed to sell alcohol on the premises;
  • 40,600 sell alcohol for consumption off the premises; and
  • 76,900 are licensed for both on and off-sales.
  • 6,300 premises have 24 hour licences, the bulk of which 3,900 (61 per cent) are hotel bars, 1,300 (20 per cent) are supermarkets and stores, 640 (10 per cent) pubs, bars and nightclubs and 580 (9 per cent) are other premises types (93 per cent response rate)
  • 66,500 premises including kebab shops, fried chicken outlets, restaurants and pubs are licensed to sell hot food after 11pm (85 per cent response rate) and
  • 104,500 licences and certificates are authorised to put on public entertainment such as live music, dancing and theatre performances (82 per cent response rate).

The figures show a small increase in the total number of licences and certificates issued in the previous year, estimated to be up 5 per cent. Licences and certificates with on sales of alcohol only were up 6 per cent (an estimated increase of 2,500 licences); off sales of alcohol only were up 6 per cent (an estimated increase of 2,500 licences); 24 hour licences up 14 per cent (an estimated increase of around 800 licences); and premises licences with live music provisions up 8 per cent (an estimated increase of 6,000 licences).  For details of estimations, see notes to editors 3.

The current licensing laws, which came into force on 24 November 2005, give local people the opportunity to have a say in the local licensing decisions that affect them. Local residents and police can now, for example, object to a new licence application or raise an objection about a nuisance bar at any time.
The statistics published today show that these new powers are having an effect. During the 12 months to 31 March this year (based on a 97 per cent response rate from councils) there had been over 1,000 completed reviews. Of those:

  • 160 licences were revoked;
  • 170 licences were suspended;
  • 160 premises were made to change their opening hours; and
    620 premises had other conditions placed on their licences.

Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said:

“The vast majority of people who drink alcohol do so responsibly, and I believe they are mature enough to do so at a time of their own choosing.  The small rise in the number of 24 hour licences shows that people are taking advantages of the flexibility on offer, although it is worth noting that most of these licences are held by hotels which have always been able to serve their customers 24 hours a day.

“So again the predicted explosion in 24 hour drinking has failed to materialise.  What we have seen though is a significant increase in the use of police powers to tackle problem premises.  I’ve said that I want to see these powers being used more widely, and today’s statistics show that is beginning to happen.”

Notes to editors

  1. The publication DCMS Statistical Bulletin: Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing, England and Wales, April 2007 – March 2008, can be found on this website. 
  2. The majority of results stated are based only on the completed returns received and therefore will be an underestimate of the full picture in England and Wales. Returns from 97 per cent of licensing authorities were received in total, but the response rate differed for each question asked, which should be taken into account. The comparison statistics reported are based on modelled estimates scaled up to provide totals for England and Wales.  Figures have been rounded.  If greater than 1000, figures have been rounded to the nearest 100, whereas figures between 100 and 1000 have been rounded to the nearest 10.
  3. In order to make meaningful comparisons between 2007 and 2008, figures were scaled up to national totals for England and Wales, therefore accounting for the different levels of response.  For full details of modeling process, see full bulletin p35.
  4. The Licensing Act 2003 received Royal Assent on 10 July 2003. Its reforms came into effect in full on 24 November 2005. The four statutory objectives of the act are:

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