Local publicans are giving a thumbs up to a campaign to reform UK licensing laws to take pubs into the new millennium.

The Keighley News has spoken to a number of town centre publicans, and all support the drinks industry's calls for changes to the archaic laws.

Last week a consortium of seven organisations, covering all sectors of the hospitality trade, launched a campaign to make the government change the state of licensing laws.

They are hoping that a government consultation paper, due to be published early next year, will abolish the fixed closing time and allow for a more modern and flexible approach.

Additionally, they want a new approach to the issuing and administration of licenses, whereby they are granted on a dual system, based on both the potential licensee and the premises.

A spokesman for the British Institute of Innkeeping, one of the seven organisations, says: "We are pushing for two main things. We are pushing for more flexibility in licensing hours and for changes to the way that licensing is administered.

"At the moment you have to apply for a licence for the premises. What we are recommending is that you can apply for a licence for a premises and for a person so you can in effect have a portable licence."

The three main changes the drinks industry are pushing for will radically change the future of pubs and clubs. A personal licence is proposed, which would be awarded as a professional, training-based qualification.

This would allow the licensee to work on any licensed premises without the need for a separate application.

The granting of a premises licence would certify that the premises met all the necessary criteria to be fit for the sale of alcohol.

The third aim is to do away with rigid drinking hours and allow licensees to set their own opening hours.

The proposals also call for a new body to be formed to oversee all licensing issues.

Landlord of the Cavendish Hotel, Kevin Maddox, says in principle he is in favour of the proposals. He adds he is concerned pubs belonging to big breweries may be forced to stay open for the maximum amount of time allowed if new laws are brought in.

Howard Packer, manager of the Victoria Hotel, says: "They are a good idea but it's going to be up to the individual how they do it." He adds: "I don't think we'd change when we open."

Landlady of the Lord Rodney Inn, Anne-Marie Vear, says both she and her customers are very much in favour of longer hours, in particular later closing times.

Jean Coussins, director of the drinks industry watchdog, the Portman Group, says: "Our current liquor licencing system does little to discourage excessive drinking by some drinkers. We want to see a framework which normalises a more civilised drinking environment. We warmly welcome the general direction adopted in these proposals from the industry."

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