Councils call for tougher licensing powers

Councils should be given the powers to close down places where coronavirus safety rules are being flouted and communities are put at risk of infection, says the LGA.

Licensing laws currently do not allow councils to take action on public health grounds, such as where coronavirus guidelines are not being followed. They would need to use general health and safety legislation, which is less specific and makes it harder to intervene.

The Local Government Association wants to see the introduction of a temporary public health or coronavirus objective in the Licensing Act, which would enable councils to take action where premises are not protecting the public during the pandemic – such as collecting people’s contact details or maintaining social distancing.

Councils have recently been given powers to close premises, but these can only be used where there is already a serious and imminent risk to public health. Council leaders believe that extending licensing powers would mean they can act quickly and proactively in cracking down on places that flout the guidance, to prevent problems in the first place instead of only being able to act when it is too late.

Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “The vast majority of businesses are implementing the necessary measures to protect people’s safety, and councils are working hard to support premises in these efforts. However, some councils are beginning to see isolated cases where the guidelines are not being followed and they are limited in what they can do to stop it. This is clearly a danger to communities, putting people at risk of infection.

“It needs to be mandatory for premises to follow this government safety guidance and councils need the right powers to intervene and take action if necessary. It does not take long for this virus to spread if allowed. While councils do not want to have to shut anywhere down, business owners need to know that councils have the power to act if local communities are put at risk.”