New rules for the licencing of large public events pose a grave threat to the Royal Norfolk Show it was claimed at South Norfolk Council’s Scrutiny Committee today. Leader of the Conservative Group, John Fuller called for the special debate when it became clear that a rigid interpretation of new Government guidelines for alcohol licencing could cost the Norfolk Show Organisers an additional £50,000 next year.

The new rules have been introduced to enable local councils to recover the costs of licencing alcohol and ensuring public safety at large events like Glastonbury or Knebworth. However, County Shows have been caught-up in the new regulation.

John Fuller said “No one is suggesting that it would cost our Council £50,000 to licence the Norfolk Show but it appears that the Council has no power to waive or reduce the fee.

It’s completely wrong that heavy-handed regulations designed for pop concerts like Glastonbury & Knebworth should put at risk, not only the Norfolk Show but also smaller Country events like the Eye & Aylsham Shows or even the Seething Air Day.

Mr Fuller added “This legislation is just another stealth tax on the countryside. How many more disappointments does Norfolk have to endure from a Labour Government that again demonstrates that it does not understand the importance that County Shows and one-day events play in the social and educational life of our community?

As a result of the debate The Council would be writing to Government to highlight the damage that would be caused by the new charges to country events and asking for it to reconsider them.