THE borough council has revised its licensing policy in light of new legislation including the anti-smoking laws.
The policy, which outlines how the council deals with applications for licenses for the sale and supply of alcohol and the provision of late night refreshment and entertainment, has now been updated following its introduction in December 2004.
Liquor licences have been administered by the borough council since it took over responsibility from the Magistrates Court in February 2005.
It was agreed at that time the licensing policy should be revised every three years, making this its first revision.
Borough solicitor Chris Chapman said: “The policy was written before we took over responsibility for liquor licensing, so this revision has given us the opportunity to evaluate how the system is working and update it as necessary.”
The revised policy now covers issues like the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, which allows for people guilty of alcohol related disorder to be banned from pubs and clubs in a defined area.
Food businesses, takeaways and off licences, as well as pubs and clubs are among the many premises affected by the licensing policy.
For a copy of the revised policy, log on to www.epnbc.gov.uk/council/licensing or phone 0151 356 6416.
