Proposals to make Huddersfield pubs and clubs shut by 4am

Sep 15 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PUBS and clubs in Huddersfield should be made to shut by 4am, councillors say.

Under the 2003 Licensing Act nightspots can currently apply for 24-hour licenses.

But Kirklees Council’s overview and scrutiny panel for wellbeing and communities believes round-the-clock drinking should be scrapped.

In a report, members recommended 4am closing time “in order to create a window for cleaning/environmental services and help with the reduction of policing costs.”

Clr Christine Iredale, who is on the panel, said: “It’s about freeing up the police from the town centre to be able to deal with other important work.

“We have decided to hear from a licensing and safety officer at our next meeting before we take it further.”

At the moment, if the authorities want to shut a venue early, they have to prove special reasons.

But under proposals published by home secretary Theresa May, councils could be given powers to impose greater restrictions.

The plans are supported by police, who have had to deal with an increasing number of late-night incidents, particularly around the Cross Church Street area of the town centre.

Sgt John McFadzean, Kirklees licensing sergeant, said: “We want last entry at 3am, last orders at 3.30am and closure by 4am.

“It would allow a cooling off period between premises shutting and punters going home and people going to work in the morning.