Home Office statistics show a significant increase in the number of premises owning 24-hour licences to sell to alcohol since the Coalition Government came to power.
Published yesterday, the updated figures also showed increases in the total number of premises licences and personal licences available since March 2010.
Based on data received from licensing authorities and estimates for the remaining non-respondents, there were:
- 204,400 premises licences in force in England and Wales on 31 March 2013, a slight increase of 1% (1,900) compared with the previous year;
- 544,600 personal licences in force in England and Wales on 31 March 2013, 7% (34,300) more than the previous year; and
- 8,900 premises with 24-hour alcohol licences in force in England and Wales on 31 March 2013, the same as the previous year, but an increase of 14% (1,100) compared with 31 March 2010
Supermarkets and stores drove the trend, with 2,300 licences in force in England and Wales on 31 March 2013, an increase of 10% (200) on the previous year, but an increase of 35% (600) on March 2010, when there were 1,700 supermarkets and stores with 24-hour licences. Pubs, bars and nightclubs also experienced the same increase in the number of premises acquiring round-the-clock licences in the last 3 years, but a much larger percentage increase (22%) in the last 12 months.
Alcohol and late night refreshment licensing England and Wales 31 March 2013 update is available on the Home Office website.