Minister outlines thinking behind licensing changes in Whitehall

James Brokenshire

Home Office minister James Brokenshire has said that the government's decision to move control of licensing to the Home Office will mean that a "more consistent approach" to the issue is taken.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that responsibility for licensing will switch from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to the Home Office, except around regulated entertainment. Under the previous Government, DCMS was responsible for licensing but many initiatives - for example, alcohol disorder zones - originated from the Home Office.