Jowell: Defending law change

As new legislation comes into force allowing pubs and clubs can apply for round the clock licenses, the culture secretary has defended the move.

Licensing authorities have begun processing applications from premises asking for extended opening hours under the new Licensing Act regulations, which come into effect in November.

From Monday, licensees have to apply to
their local authority for their personal and premises licences, and now work within a new legal framework.

"What happens today is that local authorities will begin receiving applications for the replacement of existing licenses," said Jowell.

The culture secretary defended the new licensing laws amid heavy media and cross-party criticism.

She said the controversial legislation was not about creating a 24-hour pub culture.

Instead she said a small number of venues would seek to extend their license, to allow the public to enjoy a late night "bottle of wine".

But she insisted that the new legislation would crack down on problem pubs and clubs.

"Provisions which give the police much tougher powers to close down premises where the licensees are not complying with their conditions, give local authorities new income and much tougher powers of enforcement," Jowell told GMTV.

The government has announced plans to establish alcohol disorder zones, where local premises pay for the policing costs associated with problem drinkers.

Persistent offenders could also find themselves barred from areas where alcohol has got them into trouble.