Minister calls time on noisy pubs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government is to provide powers for licences of pubs, clubs and wine bars to be revoked on Sundays if the longer opening hours they are to be allowed causes excessive noise, annoyance or disorder.
That was disclosed yesterday by Michael Forsyth, Minister of State at the Home Office, as the Bill allowing Sunday afternoon drinking in England and Wales was published.
The Bill allows pubs and other on-licence premises to open from noon to 10.30pm; permits off-licences to open from 10am to 10.30pm; and allows supermarkets to sell alcohol during Sunday trading hours. The law is similarly being eased for Christmas Day and Good Friday.
But the Bill also provides powers to restrict opening to present Sunday hours where longer opening causes annoyance, and ministers have left the option of adding powers that would revoke Sunday licences.
The change to Sunday drinking follows social trends figures showing that visiting the pub is the most popular away-from-home leisure activity for adults.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments