Commenting on the release of the 2009 Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing statistics, DCMS Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said:

"I am encouraged by today’s statistics which show that more licensees are widening their customer appeal by putting on live music, serving hot food late at night or making use of flexible licensing hours. It is great that we have continued to see an increase in the number of entertainment licenses – with 8,000 more premises now licensed to put on live music than in 2007.

"I am pleased to see that the tough enforcement powers that currently exist within the Licensing Act are being used. More residents, environmental health and police officers are raising objections about problem premises in their areas – completed reviews of licences are up 10 per cent on last year, and in 96 per cent of cases some action was taken. Over 300 licences were revoked or suspended, 190 had their operating hours changed and 740 had conditions placed on their licence.

"The statistics also show that hotels and supermarkets still make up the vast majority of the still small number of 24 hour licences held. However, as the Prime Minister has made clear, the Government recognises the real concerns of many communities about drink-related disorder and anti-social behaviour and is determined to act. That is why we are proposing to give councils the powers to impose a complete blanket ban on 24 hour licences in a particular area – such as a street, city centre, or the whole of the local authority area."

http://www.dcms.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/6388.aspx