VOLUNTARY SPORTS CLUBS AND THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Early day motion 1672, tabled 10 September 2003 by John Whittingdale (Conservative). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes that voluntary sports clubs face significant extra cost burdens under the Licensing Act 2003; notes that clubs operating bars will have to pay licence fees of between ú600 to ú2,000 over 10 years; compared with ú30 at present; recognises the value of volunteer-run clubs in tackling the obesity epidemic and in nurturing elite athletes; understands that bars are a legitimate source of income for clubs on limited budgets to subsidise sporting activities; therefore deplores the fact that the Government is reneging on the commitment given by the Minister in committee to introduce a reduced fee level for sports clubs; and calls upon the Government to honour its pledge in the forthcoming delegated legislation.

Signatures by party: Conservative 27, Liberal Democrat 5, Independent Conservative 1, Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1.