Local Licensing Applications

I have been supporting local residents in their concerns over a number of new licensing applications within the constituency. I will continue to work withthe Council and Ministers to ensure local residents are listened to at all times.

Please find below a letter I have sent to the Chief Executive and Leader of Charnwood Borough Council containing my views on this issue:

Brian Heyes – Chief Executive
Charnwood Borough Council
Council Offices, Southfields,
Southfields Road
Loughborough
Leics. LE11 2TR

31st October 2005

Dear Brian,

Licensing Act 2003

As you will be fully aware, the impact of the Licensing Act is an important issue for many of my constituents likely to be affected by the new licensing applications from local premises.

I very much welcomed the ‘Statement of Licensing Policy’ produced by the Borough Council which recognises in Section 5.4 that consideration should be given to the representations of residents and businesses in the vicinity of the premises in question. I also welcome in Section 5.1 that public nuisance is part of the Licensing Committee’s considerations when deciding on whether to grant applications.

I support the overall package of the Licensing Act, with its increased democratic accountability and powers to close down nuisance premises, protection for children and local families, plus the consideration of local residents’ views in the process for the first time ever.

I believe that the legislation, and your own licensing policy, has set out the balance quite rightly and I am writing to urge your committees to use these powers in the interest of local residents, and to put residents’ interests at the heart of any decision being made.

I have been made aware of some dissatisfaction at the early performance of the licensing procedures and in particular some of the decision taken over premises in Shepshed. I do hope that in future deliberations that the avoidance of late night public nuisance is the primary approach.

Finally, as you know, the Secretary of State (Tessa Jowell) has agreed to review the regulations to see if any further powers are required. I would be interested to receive any comments the Borough Council has on this issue, so that I can pass these comments into the review process.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Reed MP

cc. Cllr. Max Hunt - Leader Charnwood Borough Council