LIQUOR licences will be issued by the borough council instead of the magistrates court from next year.

That's just one of the changes to licensing that will take place following the passing of the Licensing Act by Parliament.

Although there is no firm date yet for the borough council to take over all aspects of licensing, work is already under way to draw up a policy about how the legislation should be implemented.

At present, magistrates issue liquor licences to pubs, restaurants, clubs and off-licences, while the borough council issues public entertainment licences, such as those to community venues wishing to hold functions, and late-night refreshment licences to places like restaurants wishing to serve food after 11pm.

Under the new system, all of these licences will be streamlined under one 'umbrella licence' that the borough council will deal with.

The idea is to make the licensing process more simple, transparent and accountable.

It will also makes it easier for issues such as planning, environmental health and crime and disorder to be taken into account when licences are considered.

Some of the key changes include: The borough council will issue liquor licences; Outlets which sell hot food after 11pm will require a licence, even if the food is to be eaten off the premises; Liquor licences, public entertainment licences and late-night refreshment licences will be unified under a new umbrella 'premises licence'; People who wish to sell alcohol will require a personal licence as well as a premises licence, which is based on their suitability to serve alcohol; Residents will get rights to comment on or object to licence applications.

Chairman of the council's licensing committee, Cllr Brian Jones, said: 'There are some major changes to licensing just around the corner, which we hope people will welcome.

'Our next step is to produce a draft licensing policy outlining how licences should be issued and the kinds of factors that should be taken into account. Once this document is ready, residents and businesses across the borough will be asked for their views on it.'