Leisure groups claim the new Licensing Bill could put an end to the building of new pubs.
They are worried about a clause that would force them to re-apply for a licence to trade only after they have finished building a new site.
Publicans are virtually guaranteed a full licence if they build the new pub to agreed specifications under the existing system. Trade groups are lobbying for the new clause to be modified.
References: The Independent 10/02/03 page 19
