EXTENDING pub opening hours will help cover costlier liquor licences, says the chairman of Kendal Licensed Victuallers.
Colin Burrow said many pubs across South Lakeland would look to extend opening hours to 1am or 2am to cover the increased cost of licences set out in the Licensing Act 2003, when it comes into force for a nine-month transitional period from Monday (Feb 7).
Landlords face paying between £100 and £635 for a licence under the new law and, thereafter, annual fees ranging between £70 and £350. Previously, smaller pubs paid around £30 for a three-year licence.
Click on News Focus for more on 24/7 drinking.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article