FS reports that many of the current problems are not the fault of the Act but of Licencing Officers/Departments which either do not understand the implementation guidelines or are trying to tag their own agendas on to the law. In the case of the former, he's having all the gang (Local Authority Licencing Officer), or as many as accept the invitation, to Westminster on, I believe, 28 November to a seminar on the subject.

Why does the thought of all the nation's licensing officers gatherered in one spot to tell the DCMS what they want - fill me with so much dread? Especially as this is taking place 4 days AFTER the Act's implementation.

Rather that the DCMS pandering to and risk creating a powerful and negative lobby group - I suggest it would be far better to invite their senior officers instead. They are the ones that have to find a sensible local balance.