Have your say on licensing policy

Herefordshire Council is consulting the public over its licensing policy for 2008-2011, including reviewing the special policy for premises in Commercial Road.

The council is reviewing and revising its statement of licensing policy as required by the Licensing Act 2003. This requires statutory consultation with the trade and public.

The current licensing policy adopted in 2005 sets out how the authority handles licensing issues about the sale and supply of alcohol, matters relating to entertainment and the supply of hot food and drink late at night.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the council has a duty to promote the four objectives:

· Prevention of crime and disorder
· Public safety
· Prevention of public nuisance
· Protecting children from harm

The special policy covering the Commercial Road area of Hereford City was created because there is a concentration of licensed premises here causing a cumulative and detrimental impact on the first three of these objectives.

Suzanne Laughland, Herefordshire Council's licensing manager, said: "As an authority, we must do all we reasonably can to allow the carrying on of retail sales of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment and of late-night refreshment in a way that ensures public safety.

"The purpose of the licensing policy is to make sure premises are well run and well managed with licence holders being sensitive to the impact their activities may have on local residents, the community and the four licensing objectives.

"This consultation offers an opportunity for people, whether they are in the trade or members of the public, to have their say on how we make future decisions on applications for sales of alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment," she added.

Anyone who wishes to have a say on the licensing policy can find a copy of the full document and a feedback form on the council's website.

The consultation period ends on December 7, 2007 and comments must be sent on the feedback forms either in the post to Licensing Section, Environmental Health and Trading Standards, County Offices, PO Box 233, Bath Street, Hereford, HR1 2ZF or by email to licensing @herefordshire.gov.uk