Alcohol Disorders Flashcards

What is the significance of 'last orders' in the context of managing disorder in a pub or bar?

Answer: It is a management tool that signals the end of alcohol service, helping staff manage consumption rates and prepare for an orderly dispersal of customers

Last orders is a courtesy and management practice — announcing it in advance allows customers to purchase their final drinks in an orderly manner and helps staff manage the transition to closing, reducing the risk of disorder.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, what is the offence of 'keeping a disorderly house'?

Answer: A common law offence predating the 2003 Act that remains in force, covering premises that habitually allow disorder, fighting, or immoral activity

The common law offence of keeping a disorderly house was not abolished by the 2003 Act and continues to apply alongside it — it covers premises where disorder is habitually permitted or encouraged.

What is a 'Pub Watch' scheme and how does it promote the licensing objectives?

Answer: A voluntary partnership scheme between local licensed premises and police where licensees share information about excluded persons and local crime patterns

Pub Watch is a voluntary scheme where licensees, police, and local councils share intelligence about banned individuals, warning signs of disorder, and local crime — membership demonstrates responsible management.

What is the Licensing Act 2003's provision for dealing with premises where 'after the event' evidence shows disorder linked to alcohol?

Answer: A responsible authority or interested party can apply to the licensing authority for a review of the premises licence at any time, citing the disorder evidence

The review mechanism allows any responsible authority or interested party to bring a premises back before the licensing authority when there is evidence of disorder — the authority can then modify or revoke the licence.

What does the term 'staggered closing times' mean and why might a licensing authority favour it?

Answer: A policy of encouraging licensed premises to have varying closing times rather than all closing simultaneously, so as to reduce the sudden release of large numbers of intoxicated people at the same time

Staggered closing times prevent the 'vertical drinking' mass-exit problem where thousands of intoxicated people are simultaneously ejected from all venues — spreading the flow of departing customers reduces disorder and transport pressure.

What is the 'Best Bar None' scheme and how does it relate to licensing objectives?

Answer: An award scheme that recognises licensed premises with high standards of management, responsible alcohol service, and good practices that promote the licensing objectives

Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme recognising excellent management practices — participation demonstrates a commitment to promoting the licensing objectives and can be used as evidence of responsible management in licensing proceedings.