Less than one per cent of pubs within the 7,800 strong Punch Taverns estate are interested in 24 hour opening when the new Licensing Act takes effect, a survey has revealed.

The announcement from the Staffordshire based leased and tenanted pubco follows a period of intense media speculation about the prospect of ‘round the clock’ boozing when restrictions on licensed premises opening hours are lifted.

Francis Patton, customer services director for Punch Taverns, said: “There is a common misconception that once the new law takes effect in November pubs will have free reign to open 24/7.

“This is simply not the case. Firstly, pubs will have to gain approval from local authorities for any planned extension to their opening hours. But moreover, 24 hour opening is being shunned by the overwhelming majority of licensees.

“Many pub owning companies and licensed trade bodies including the British Beer and Pub Association have also been quizzing publicans about their plans and not one has said they intend to open all hours.”

Punch’s own research revealed less than one per cent (0.67%) of retailers were even considering applying for a 24 hour extension.

Francis said: “Our retailers recognise they have a duty to trade in a responsible manner. The majority operate community pubs in residential areas rather than High Street ‘circuit’ venues, so the need to be a considerate neighbour is all the more great.”

What is far more likely under the new licensing regime, according to Punch Taverns, will be licensees applying for extensions of a few hours around their busiest trading periods.

“Licensing reform is going to bring tremendous benefit to this industry and greatly improve customer choice,” added Francis.

“Retailers will now have the flexibility to make an informed decision about when they want to trade based on the dynamics of their individual businesses and the needs of their local customer base.

“At the same time, customers will not be all forced onto the streets together every night at 11pm, minimising the potential for disruption.”

Punch Taverns is now embarking on a three month consultation process with all its licensees in order to develop a structured business plan including recommendations for the best opening times. The final decision does, however, rest with the individual licensee.

The company also provides award winning training and support on responsible retailing, which includes trading and promotional guidelines, anti drink driving campaigns and anti drink spiking technology.

What Punch’s Retailers Say:

“We will not be opening for 24 hours and I don’t know of any other pub operator in East Devon who is interested. We would like to apply for midnight closing with the opportunity to apply for later licences on rare occasions.”
Roger Newton, Blue Ball Inn, Sidford

“We serve food until 10pm and a late licence allows us to serve wine with the meal. In other words, our late licence is driven by demand for food not booze. We will apply to keep our late licence but as a nation I don’t think we are ready for 24 hour opening. The supermarkets have been doing it for a few years but I don’t believe there is much demand.”
Alison Smith, Bar One Nine, Keynsham near Bristol

“The whole trade is suffering because of this confused image of round the clock drinking. We’re happy with our hours as they are and can effectively police our pub to ensure the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming for all.”
Sue Packard, Red Lion, West Boldon

Ends

Notes to editors:
If you would like a comment from a pub in your area or require further information please contact Nick Trueman, Jo Mathers or Jules Kerby at Seal Communications
Tel: 0121 200 0780
Email: nicktrueman@sealcommunications.co.uk