New Licensing Act - Driffield Councillor's Plea Answered

East Riding of Yorkshire Council ensures that local views will be heard.

 

The Licensing Committee of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council has supported a plea from Councillor Felicity Temple to ensure that local Town and Parish Councils are consulted about applications for extended licensing hours in their areas.

 

Councillor Temple commented, “I am deeply troubled that the legislation fails to include Town and Parish Councils as statutory consultees.   It is imperative that local people are able to express their opinion on these applications for extended drinking hours, so I am delighted that the East Riding Council has backed my calls for greater local input on this.”

 

Councillor Jonathan Owen remarked, “The new Licensing legislation does not provide for adequate consultation, our view is that it is vital to take on board the views of local residents.”

 

An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson confirmed, “The Licensing Committee agreed that a weekly list of all applications made under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 for a new or variation licence would be forwarded to local Ward Councillors and Parish Councils for information purposes for a trial period of one year.”

 

Councillor Symon Fraser said, “The move to include local residents views is an improvement on the statutory requirements and I welcome this enhanced process for East Riding residents.”

 

Councillor Temple added, “This means that local people will have an opportunity to have a say in the process and that their wishes or concerns can be put before the Licensing Committee before they make their decision.”

 

15 April 2005