Press Release 06/09/2010: Public Forum on Licensing in Southend
Published Monday 6th September 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council needs to hear from you about how they should approach licensing over the next three years.
A public forum is being held on Friday 17th September to gauge the opinions of local people on how Southend-on-Sea Borough Council should consider licensing applications for alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment such as hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am, under the Licensing Act 2003.
The Licensing Act 2003 is centred on four key 'licensing objectives': preventing crime and disorder, promoting public safety, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm.
As a Licensing Authority, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is required to prepare and publish a statement of the policy it proposes to apply when exercising its functions under the Licensing Act.
This policy must follow specific procedures, and lasts for a maximum of three years, with the existing policy set to end on 6th January 2011.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is now consulting widely on its new draft policy, and wants to hear from local residents as well as responsible authorities, trade groups, and faith and equality groups.
Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, Councillor Tony Cox says: "It is important to balance the needs of the licensed trade against those of the people of Southend and I would encourage residents to register for the forum so we can ascertain their views."
Places are limited and must be reserved. Residents can register their interest by email to licact2003@southend.gov.uk or mail to:
The Licensing Authority,
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council,
Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue,
Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6ZG.
The draft policy can be downloaded from this website. Copies are also available by contacting the licensing team or by visiting the Customer Service Centre in the Council Offices.