Implementation of the Licensing Act 2003: A national survey

In total 225 (63%) of 356 local authorities in England were surveyed (including City of London and Isles of Wight). Of these n=53 (23%) were completed by the Chairs of the licensing committee, n= 168 (74%) by heads of the licensing team and n=4(3%) by other members of the licensing team.

The majority (63%) described their area as mixed, whilst 28% felt it to be urban and 21% rural. In terms of economic ranking, 63% rated their area as “mixed”, 19% as economically advantaged and 18% as economically disadvantaged. The self-reported economic ranking showed a level of agreement (p < 0.001) with a deprivation index compiled by Office of Deputy Prime Minister (2004).

The main findings of the study were as follows:

• The perception of those surveyed was that the effect of the Licensing Act 2003 had been largely neutral. There had been little change in noise levels, alcohol-related violence/fights, drink driving, alcohol-related crime and under-age drinking.
• Very few cumulative impact /saturation areas had been created. Virtually all had been created in urban areas in response to concerns from the police around crime and disorder and binge drinking.
• The general perception was that police activity had increased since the introduction of the Licensing Act especially in urban and mixed areas.
• There was a tendency towards greater stakeholder involvement in urban areas. This reflects an impression from the data that the changes introduced under the Licensing Act 2003 are responses to largely “urban issues.”
• There were more applications for extended hours than new off/on-licenses; new off licenses were more common in urban areas.
• New applications for public houses were more common in disadvantaged areas. This suggests that in some areas the Licensing Act has been seen as opening an opportunity for economic growth.
• There is a need for continued evaluation of the impact of policies, including the Licensing Act 2003, on changes in alcohol consumption and on drinking cultures. In particular, the differential effects of alcohol policy in advantaged and disadvantaged areas and in urban centres, suburban and rural areas warrants further attention.