A survey of publicans across the UK has revealed a strong support for magistrates to retain the responsibility for pub licensing. Against the backdrop of reviewing British licensing laws such pub chain JD Wetherspoon questioned over 1,000 licensees in England and Wales on licensing reform and found general support for allowing magistrates to grant and amend licenses. The report highlighted a general lack of consultation available for publicans - only 10 per cent had been informed of possible changes that would see local authorities controlling licenses, and widespread support for retaining the current structure. Of those who expressed a preference, 79 per cent wanted licensing control to remain with magistrates. Wetherspoon chair Tim Martin said the report's findings demonstrated a severe lack of communication in the industry; The survey clearly illustrates the total disarray on licensing reform. Licensees, for the most part self-employed small businessmen have not been properly consulted by the government or trade associations.
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