The Regulatory Reform (Special Occasions Licensing) Order 2001

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order is made under section 1 of the Regulatory Reform Act 2001. It reforms the law relating to licensing hours which has the effect of imposing burdens on people carrying out certain activities with a view to reducing those burdens in respect of New Year’s Eve 2001. It does so by amending the Licensing Act 1964 to relax the licensing hours on New Year’s Eve 2001. The effect of the Order is to allow the sale of intoxicating liquor in licensed premises other than off-licences, in registered clubs and in licensed canteens in the period between what would otherwise be the end of the permitted hours on New Year’s Eve 2001 and the beginning of the permitted hours on New Year’s Day 2002.

Power is conferred on the licensing authorities to make an order (a “Special Occasions restriction order”) the effect of which is to prevent all or any of the additional hours from applying in any premises where they consider it desirable to avoid or reduce disturbance, annoyance or disorderly conduct. The police, local residents and local authorities may apply for such orders. Provision is made as to the procedure for making such orders.