Controversial moves which will allow almost all youth hostels to sell alcohol around the clock have been defended as good business sense by a leading licensing lawyer.
Andrew Cochrane of Flint Bishop Solicitors in Derby acted for the Matlock-based Youth Hostel Association when it recently submitted a blanket application for 24 hour bar licences at all its hostels in England and Wales.
But – as reported widely by the media – decisions by licensing authorities to approve all but one of the 118 applications made so far – have met with fierce opposition from local residents.
People living near some of the hostels’ scenic locations have protested on the grounds that allowing alcohol to be served 24 hours a day will destroy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
However, Andrew, who acts for major brewers such as Marston's, said that rather than relaxing the drinking laws the new licences would provide youth hostels with a firmer legal foothold.
He said: “In many cases these applications were necessary for legal reasons as until the licensing laws changed in 2005 youth hostels would not have required a licence to host a private function or party.
“Additionally, some already held restaurant or residential licences, so there is a valid argument for new, tighter regulation which brings licensing at all youth hostels into line.”
And – added Andrew – there was a strong business case for letting youth hostels serve alcohol around the clock.
He said: “Youth hostels have diversified in recent years and no longer exist merely to provide weary hikers with bed and board.
“Most now operate like small rural hotels and as such need to look at different ways of maximising their incomes.
“After a nine mile walk many hikers are ready for a pint so it makes sense that they should be able to buy one from the youth hostel they are staying at.
“People will still drink on youth hostel premises regardless of licensing laws as there is nothing to stop them driving off to the nearest Tesco and loading their 4x4s with beer and wine.
“By granting these new licences it is the youth hostels that will benefit from alcohol sales not the major supermarket chains, which has got to be good news for small rural economies.
With regard to holding parties, Andrew said that functions held at youth hostels tended to be low key and that the YHA had no intention of encouraging noisy raves.
He added: “It merely wants to see its hostels competing more equally with other rural licensed premises such as bars and hotels but unfortunately some residents in these secluded beauty spots regard this as an imposition.”