Friday 3 September 2010

Do the licensing laws need a change?

I've only just come across this Home Office Consultation on changes to the Licensing Act.

There are only a few days left to respond but I am sure anyone who has felt frustrated by the current laws will want to have their say.

What this consultation is testing out are opinions on giving communities and the police more powers in terms of the decisions that are made on, for example, off license applications.

Anyone who has been through a hearing as an objector will know just how far the system seems weighted in favour of the applicant. One of the proposals is to allow "health" to be considered as a factor (something that might well have an effect in some areas)

Liverpool City Council has, as I imagine have licensing authorities all over the country, responded to the consultation. You can find the Council's Licensing Committee's response here.

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