Latest news with #LicensingAct2003


Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Miller & Carter defends drinks policy after diner vows to boycott restaurant
A Miller & Carter customer raged at the chain's alcohol policy and vowed to never return to the restaurant in a scathing review Miller & Carter has come out in defence of its drinks policy after a raging customer vowed to never return to the restaurant. An eater at the steak restaurant chain posted a scathing review of one branch and hit out at the company for not making an exception in its alcohol policy. This customer raged that the chain did not allow 16 to 17-year-olds to drink some alcoholic drinks with their meal and with an adult over the age of 18, in line with a specific law. Despite their anger, the steak chain refused to give into this person's demands. The disgruntled eater slammed the Tanworth Lane branch in Solihull and said: "We have been visiting Miller and Carter for years, but this will be our last visit." This person then referenced the Licensing Act 2003 which makes an exception for some under 18-year-olds to drink alcohol, according to BirminghamLive. The act states: "The Licensing Act 2003 clearly states the only exception is that 16- and 17-year-olds may drink beer, wine, or cider with a table meal in relevant premises, when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over." This customer accused the restaurant of not adhering to this. They wrote: "Miller and Carter denies this as a company policy. Clearly, there are no signs of such a policy, neither while entering the restaurant nor while booking a table. As a company, if you wish not to comply with the Licensing Act 2003, signage should be visible to customers." The customer raged at the branch's signage and said: "Two or three signs for dress code and the Licensing Act 2003 are posted before entering, but clearly, no signs for the company's alcohol policy." Their raging review then took a turn and slammed the food at the chain that day too, saying: "Food was extremely poor today and three out of five steaks was served with wrong cooking temperatures. Wasn't in the mood to complain or stay any longer as we never to plan to visit M&C again." The manger of the Solihull branch responded to this raging review by setting out the company policy and asking why they anger diner didn't say anything in the restaurant. The manager said: "Firstly, we are pleased to hear that you have been visiting for years, but we can assure you that Miller and Carter and indeed our company, Mitchells and Butlers, have not changed any policies recently and we have never served children alcohol. "As a company we take our social responsibility policy very seriously and I have attached our Mitchell and Butlers policy towards the sale of alcohol to children for that can be found on our website. We are very aware of our responsibilities, and we are glad you found the licensing signage on entering the building that we are required to display by law, and thank you for pointing out our other signage to us. "But we did know where they were already, but thank you anyway. It's disappointing that if you were unhappy with your meals that you didn't say anything at the time, we would have been more than happy to put any cooking temperature errors with your steaks right. "But you seem far too upset that we wouldn't serve your children alcohol to have said anything to us. It really is disappointing to hear you will not visit Miller and Carter again because we wouldn't serve your children alcohol, but please be aware that this is the same across all Mitchells and Butlers Premises and their brands. I would hate for you to have to go through this again in one of our other brands." With over 3,500 reviews, the negative feedback was in the minority as the branch boasts 4.5 out of five stars overall.


Glasgow Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
MPs back plans for ministers to ease pub last orders without Parliament debate
Under existing rules, Parliament must sign off on plans to ease licensing restrictions at a national level and extend last orders beyond the usual 11pm. But the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which has cleared the Commons at third reading, would let ministers effectively bypass a parliamentary debate. MPs could still 'pray against' the Government's decision-making, if they would like a debate or vote. Matt Turmaine said the move would allow ministers to process orders 'without using up valuable parliamentary time'. The Watford MP, speaking in place of Labour MP for Wrexham Andrew Ranger who tabled the Bill, said the move was 'about cutting red tape, red tape that produces unnecessary and time-consuming bureaucracy for the hospitality industry and local authorities for the simple matter of wanting to be able to open earlier or stay open later when occasions of special importance emerge, as they surely do'. Mr Turmaine, a Labour MP, said the Bill would make a 'very simple alteration' to the Licensing Act 2003. 'It is also extremely welcome that there has been broad support and consensus across the House regarding this,' he added. 'Whether that says something about parliamentarians and pints, I could not possibly say.' Mr Turmaine said the existing process, known as the affirmative procedure, 'is problematic when an order needs to be made at short notice'. The Home Office successfully used this procedure last month, when MPs agreed without opposition to let pubs and bars temporarily sell alcohol until 1am, if England or Wales – or both – reach the Uefa Women's Euros semi-finals or finals. Lionesses Ella Toone (left) and Alessia Russo (Bradley Collyer/PA) Both teams begin their Championship campaign on Saturday when the Lionesses face France and Wales will play the Netherlands. The semi-finals take place on July 22 and 23, with the final on July 27. Mr Turmaine had earlier told MPs: 'The negative procedure has the benefit of allowing licensing extensions to be made in the rare event that they are needed during parliamentary recess or at short notice.' He said: 'Special occasions such as World Cups, European Championships and royal weddings are times that live long in the memory of us all, even if we are enjoying the hospitality so enabled. 'And it is only right that our pubs and hospitality venues are given the opportunity to be a part of that experience when they do occur.' Home Office minister Seema Malhotra described a 'high degree of consensus' across the House, and added: 'I'm pleased to say that the Government fully supports it.' Mr Ranger's Bill was one of five to clear the Commons on Friday, alongside the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill which would pave the way for a ban on imports of puppies and kittens under six months old, dogs and cats which are more than 42 days pregnant, and dogs and cats which have been mutilated. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill would add llamas and alpacas to the list of farm animals which, if attacked by a dog in England and Wales, would see pet owners fined. It would also extend dog attack protections beyond agricultural land to roads and paths, where animals might be herded. Voters in Scotland and Wales edged closer to being able to apply for a proxy or postal vote online for devolved elections, bringing them in line with English electors, after MPs agreed to back the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. The Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill also cleared the Commons, which would see liability caps in the licences granted by the Civil Aviation Authority for spaceflight. They each face scrutiny in the Lords on later dates.


South Wales Guardian
04-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
MPs back plans for ministers to ease pub last orders without Parliament debate
Under existing rules, Parliament must sign off on plans to ease licensing restrictions at a national level and extend last orders beyond the usual 11pm. But the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which has cleared the Commons at third reading, would let ministers effectively bypass a parliamentary debate. MPs could still 'pray against' the Government's decision-making, if they would like a debate or vote. Matt Turmaine said the move would allow ministers to process orders 'without using up valuable parliamentary time'. The Watford MP, speaking in place of Labour MP for Wrexham Andrew Ranger who tabled the Bill, said the move was 'about cutting red tape, red tape that produces unnecessary and time-consuming bureaucracy for the hospitality industry and local authorities for the simple matter of wanting to be able to open earlier or stay open later when occasions of special importance emerge, as they surely do'. Mr Turmaine, a Labour MP, said the Bill would make a 'very simple alteration' to the Licensing Act 2003. 'It is also extremely welcome that there has been broad support and consensus across the House regarding this,' he added. 'Whether that says something about parliamentarians and pints, I could not possibly say.' Mr Turmaine said the existing process, known as the affirmative procedure, 'is problematic when an order needs to be made at short notice'. The Home Office successfully used this procedure last month, when MPs agreed without opposition to let pubs and bars temporarily sell alcohol until 1am, if England or Wales – or both – reach the Uefa Women's Euros semi-finals or finals. Both teams begin their Championship campaign on Saturday when the Lionesses face France and Wales will play the Netherlands. The semi-finals take place on July 22 and 23, with the final on July 27. Mr Turmaine had earlier told MPs: 'The negative procedure has the benefit of allowing licensing extensions to be made in the rare event that they are needed during parliamentary recess or at short notice.' He said: 'Special occasions such as World Cups, European Championships and royal weddings are times that live long in the memory of us all, even if we are enjoying the hospitality so enabled. 'And it is only right that our pubs and hospitality venues are given the opportunity to be a part of that experience when they do occur.' Home Office minister Seema Malhotra described a 'high degree of consensus' across the House, and added: 'I'm pleased to say that the Government fully supports it.' Mr Ranger's Bill was one of five to clear the Commons on Friday, alongside the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill which would pave the way for a ban on imports of puppies and kittens under six months old, dogs and cats which are more than 42 days pregnant, and dogs and cats which have been mutilated. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill would add llamas and alpacas to the list of farm animals which, if attacked by a dog in England and Wales, would see pet owners fined. It would also extend dog attack protections beyond agricultural land to roads and paths, where animals might be herded. Voters in Scotland and Wales edged closer to being able to apply for a proxy or postal vote online for devolved elections, bringing them in line with English electors, after MPs agreed to back the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. The Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill also cleared the Commons, which would see liability caps in the licences granted by the Civil Aviation Authority for spaceflight. They each face scrutiny in the Lords on later dates.

Rhyl Journal
04-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
MPs back plans for ministers to ease pub last orders without Parliament debate
Under existing rules, Parliament must sign off on plans to ease licensing restrictions at a national level and extend last orders beyond the usual 11pm. But the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which has cleared the Commons at third reading, would let ministers effectively bypass a parliamentary debate. MPs could still 'pray against' the Government's decision-making, if they would like a debate or vote. Matt Turmaine said the move would allow ministers to process orders 'without using up valuable parliamentary time'. The Watford MP, speaking in place of Labour MP for Wrexham Andrew Ranger who tabled the Bill, said the move was 'about cutting red tape, red tape that produces unnecessary and time-consuming bureaucracy for the hospitality industry and local authorities for the simple matter of wanting to be able to open earlier or stay open later when occasions of special importance emerge, as they surely do'. Mr Turmaine, a Labour MP, said the Bill would make a 'very simple alteration' to the Licensing Act 2003. 'It is also extremely welcome that there has been broad support and consensus across the House regarding this,' he added. 'Whether that says something about parliamentarians and pints, I could not possibly say.' Mr Turmaine said the existing process, known as the affirmative procedure, 'is problematic when an order needs to be made at short notice'. The Home Office successfully used this procedure last month, when MPs agreed without opposition to let pubs and bars temporarily sell alcohol until 1am, if England or Wales – or both – reach the Uefa Women's Euros semi-finals or finals. Both teams begin their Championship campaign on Saturday when the Lionesses face France and Wales will play the Netherlands. The semi-finals take place on July 22 and 23, with the final on July 27. Mr Turmaine had earlier told MPs: 'The negative procedure has the benefit of allowing licensing extensions to be made in the rare event that they are needed during parliamentary recess or at short notice.' He said: 'Special occasions such as World Cups, European Championships and royal weddings are times that live long in the memory of us all, even if we are enjoying the hospitality so enabled. 'And it is only right that our pubs and hospitality venues are given the opportunity to be a part of that experience when they do occur.' Home Office minister Seema Malhotra described a 'high degree of consensus' across the House, and added: 'I'm pleased to say that the Government fully supports it.' Mr Ranger's Bill was one of five to clear the Commons on Friday, alongside the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill which would pave the way for a ban on imports of puppies and kittens under six months old, dogs and cats which are more than 42 days pregnant, and dogs and cats which have been mutilated. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill would add llamas and alpacas to the list of farm animals which, if attacked by a dog in England and Wales, would see pet owners fined. It would also extend dog attack protections beyond agricultural land to roads and paths, where animals might be herded. Voters in Scotland and Wales edged closer to being able to apply for a proxy or postal vote online for devolved elections, bringing them in line with English electors, after MPs agreed to back the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. The Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill also cleared the Commons, which would see liability caps in the licences granted by the Civil Aviation Authority for spaceflight. They each face scrutiny in the Lords on later dates.

Leader Live
04-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
MPs back plans for ministers to ease pub last orders without Parliament debate
Under existing rules, Parliament must sign off on plans to ease licensing restrictions at a national level and extend last orders beyond the usual 11pm. But the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which has cleared the Commons at third reading, would let ministers effectively bypass a parliamentary debate. MPs could still 'pray against' the Government's decision-making, if they would like a debate or vote. Matt Turmaine said the move would allow ministers to process orders 'without using up valuable parliamentary time'. The Watford MP, speaking in place of Labour MP for Wrexham Andrew Ranger who tabled the Bill, said the move was 'about cutting red tape, red tape that produces unnecessary and time-consuming bureaucracy for the hospitality industry and local authorities for the simple matter of wanting to be able to open earlier or stay open later when occasions of special importance emerge, as they surely do'. Mr Turmaine, a Labour MP, said the Bill would make a 'very simple alteration' to the Licensing Act 2003. 'It is also extremely welcome that there has been broad support and consensus across the House regarding this,' he added. 'Whether that says something about parliamentarians and pints, I could not possibly say.' Mr Turmaine said the existing process, known as the affirmative procedure, 'is problematic when an order needs to be made at short notice'. The Home Office successfully used this procedure last month, when MPs agreed without opposition to let pubs and bars temporarily sell alcohol until 1am, if England or Wales – or both – reach the Uefa Women's Euros semi-finals or finals. Both teams begin their Championship campaign on Saturday when the Lionesses face France and Wales will play the Netherlands. The semi-finals take place on July 22 and 23, with the final on July 27. Mr Turmaine had earlier told MPs: 'The negative procedure has the benefit of allowing licensing extensions to be made in the rare event that they are needed during parliamentary recess or at short notice.' He said: 'Special occasions such as World Cups, European Championships and royal weddings are times that live long in the memory of us all, even if we are enjoying the hospitality so enabled. 'And it is only right that our pubs and hospitality venues are given the opportunity to be a part of that experience when they do occur.' Home Office minister Seema Malhotra described a 'high degree of consensus' across the House, and added: 'I'm pleased to say that the Government fully supports it.' Mr Ranger's Bill was one of five to clear the Commons on Friday, alongside the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill which would pave the way for a ban on imports of puppies and kittens under six months old, dogs and cats which are more than 42 days pregnant, and dogs and cats which have been mutilated. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill would add llamas and alpacas to the list of farm animals which, if attacked by a dog in England and Wales, would see pet owners fined. It would also extend dog attack protections beyond agricultural land to roads and paths, where animals might be herded. Voters in Scotland and Wales edged closer to being able to apply for a proxy or postal vote online for devolved elections, bringing them in line with English electors, after MPs agreed to back the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. The Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill also cleared the Commons, which would see liability caps in the licences granted by the Civil Aviation Authority for spaceflight. They each face scrutiny in the Lords on later dates.