Southam News

Warwickshire County Council welcomes a public consultation launched yesterday (28 July) giving power to people to have their say on the government’s alcohol licensing policy.

The Home Office questionnaire proposes new powers for individuals to object to pub and club licensing applications if they can show they will be affected by alcohol-related problems. It also proposes giving more power to local authorities and police to help them fight alcohol-related crime.

Following the six week consultation period, decisions could be made which will see pubs and clubs banned from late night opening because of the impact of noise and drunkenness on the wider community. Additionally new powers may temporarily close shops or bars or increase fines to establishments found serving underage young people.

Further proposals include a ban on shops selling alcohol at below cost price and late-night levies on some pubs and clubs to contribute towards the cost of policing.

Kit Leck, of Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: “We welcome this consultation and would support any additional measures made available to help us tackle alcohol related harm.

“We’ve been concerned for many years about the harmful effects of alcohol and whilst we are delivering effective treatment and rehabilitation programmes in Warwickshire we need this extra backing from central government to help us make long term change.”

The Home Office consultation will also pave the way for applications to be rejected on "public health" grounds if it can be proven that granting licenses will put extra pressure on hospital or ambulance services.

Dr Gordana Djuric, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Warwickshire, said: “Estimates suggest there are 85,000 people aged 16+ who drink hazardously in Warwickshire, with 6 in 10 males aged 18-24 falling into the binge drinker category. This does put pressure on public services and we welcome the consultation which will give the chance for the public to have its say on licensing and how it impacts on communities and public services.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, portfolio holder for community protection added: “This consultation offers a great opportunity for people to have their say on licensing and the safety of their communities. I encourage members of the public who may be affected by alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour to use this chance to voice their opinions.”

The consultation runs for 6 weeks from 28 July to 8 September 2010 and covers England and Wales. It can be completed online www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/alcohol-licensing

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