New licensing committee meets

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The much talked about Licensing Act 2003 means the council will take over responsibility for all legislation for liquor, entertainment and night café licensing.

The newly constituted licensing committee meet on Monday to take on powers transferred from the magistrates’ court. The new legislation is based upon local decision-making, informed by local knowledge.

“Much media speculation has focused on negative aspects of the new act,” says Cllr Michael Cartwright, deputy for environment. “But our view is that deregulation can be a good thing if proper and responsible licensees work with the council instead of against us. Our priorities are to ensure local people and visitors to the borough can enjoy their leisure and at the same time ensure nuisance to residents is minimised.

“We intend to work with well managed businesses in a positive way and come down hard on any businesses causing nuisance, disturbance or breaking the law. Residents will also have the new right to challenge any council licensing decision through the magistrates’ court.”

Strong powers are being brought into force that enable the police and the council to close badly managed premises. The new Licensing Act embodies four objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm. The council will ensure these objectives are achieved and any business not toeing-the-line will have swift enforcement action taken against it. For the first time residents will be able to call for a review of a premise’s licence at any time.

“We understand that there are some misgivings about the new Act but we intend to work closely with the police and local residents to ensure the borough is a lively and colourful place to live in and visit and at the same time clean and safe for everybody. The licensing committee is committed to making our policy work,” Cllr Cartwright added.

February 13, 2005