PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
DEATH OF DAVID KNOWLES (30 March 1998)

That this House supports the recent opinion of Pudsey magristrates that the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 14-year old David Knowles clearly demonstrate the need to close the loophole in the Licensing Act 1964, whereby those selling alcohol to minors can be prosecuted only if they are the directly employed servants of the licence holder; deeply regrets that this loophole should have been highlighted by the death of David, who was struck by a car when he ran onto the Stanningley Bypass after drinking three cans of lager bought at Threshers 'Drinks Cabin' off licence, Pudsey; finds it unacceptable that the staff involved were immune from prosecution because they were employed by a national company and not by the licence holder; and calls on the Government to close this loophole at the earliest opportunity.

Sponsored by:
Mr Paul Truswell (Labour)