NEW LICENSING LAWS: How They Affect You (Cllr Marc Ramsbottom)

Cllr Marc Ramsbottom <info@marcramsbottom.org.uk>

NEW LICENSING LAWS: How They Affect You

September 10, 2005 3:49 PM

On the 24 November 2005 new laws on the sale of alcohol come into force. In this special edition of City Focus ELAINE BOYES we examines how they may affect city centre residents.

Your Lib Dem Councillors consult with local residents about licensing applications by writing to residents in the vicinity.

The Licensing Act (2004) introduces new laws on the sale of alcohol and regulating entertainment. From the 24 November 2005 local Councils instead of Magistrates will become responsible for issuing alcohol licences. The Council has been receiving applications for several months now, and many have been taking the opportunity to extend their opening times.

City Councillor Lib Dem Marc Ramsbottom says that many residents who are already experiencing problems with noise or anti social behaviour are fearful the situation will get worse. "In some areas residents are already fed up with problems of noise and disorder," he says. "They are woken up by drunks being rowdy leaving premises, irresponsible bars leaving doors and windows open and playing loud music, or bottles being tipped into skips in the early hours of the morning. It is just a lack of consideration for neighbours", he added.

'A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND A GOOD NIGHT OUT'

Cllr Ramsbottom believes there has to be a balance between the interests of residents and licensees. "Most people who live in the city centre expect to put up with a degree of noise and disturbance," he says. "But tipping bottles into a skip at 6am in the morning waking residents is just down right inconsideration. What we say as local councillors say is there must be a balance between people having a good night out and residents getting a good nights sleep."

City Centre councillors have been notifying residents if bars or clubs in the vicinity have applied to longer opening times. "We think that residents have a right to know, and juts putting a note on the premises window is not good enough, even though that is all they are required to do, "says fellow Lib Dem Councillor Peter Rothery. "Many residents say they would not have even known had we not wrote and told them," he added.

Your local Lib Dem Councillors have attended many hearings to speak up on behalf of residents.