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Friday, 21 January 2005, 16:33 GMT

At-a-glance: Drink law changes

Here are the key points of the government's new licensing regime for pubs, bars and clubs in England and Wales:

People who get three on-the-spot fines or convictions for booze-related offences face a ban from bars

Problem premises will be told to clean up their act in eight weeks or face extra policing costs, a so-called yellow card for pubs

Large pubs in town centres will have to pay more in license fees

Responsibility for administering licences will be removed from magistrates and given to local authorities

Problem areas will be designated 'Alcohol Disorder Zones'

On the spot fines for under-age people caught trying to buy booze and for bar staff serving drunks

48 hour shut downs for premises caught selling alcohol to minors

Ministers hope measures will be in place by the time the new laws come into effect, in November

No ban for happy hours but a code of practice will be drawn up by the drink industry prohibiting promotions encouraging speed drinking and excessive consumption

Premises applying for a licence will face a one-off fee and then an annual charge thereafter which will be graded according to size and location

The largest city or town centre pubs will pay a £1,905 initial application fee and an annual fee of £1,050 to the local authority - smaller pubs will pay £100 with a £70 annual fee

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RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Alcohol Concern
Home Office
Conservative Party
Evening Standard
British Beer and Pub Association
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