Licensing in Southend – have your say

This is your chance to comment on the principles Southend-on-Sea Borough Council plans to apply when considering future licensing applications for alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment, (hot food or drink between 11pm & 5am).

The Council, as Licensing Authority, must prepare and publish a statement of its proposed licensing policies under the Licensing Act 2003, and must consult people fully about these.

This Act features four key 'licensing objectives' which aim to:

• prevent crime and disorder
• promote public safety
• prevent public nuisance
• protect children from harm

The current policy is due to end on Thursday 6th January 2011, so the Council is now seeking views about the new draft policy to replace the existing one.

Those consulted will include the responsible authorities designated under the Licensing Act as well as trade groups, residents, faith and equality groups.

The Council's Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, Councillor Tony Cox, said: "We will need to balance the Licensing Act's objectives with the need to maintain Southend as a vibrant entertainment town that has a variety of restaurants, pubs and clubs for residents and visitors to enjoy.

"To help achieve this we have drafted a licensing policy giving the framework by which licence applications are considered and setting out the Council's expectations in managing and controlling licensed venues. We very much welcome your views, to help us to have a fully comprehensive review of this policy."

Responses must be in writing, and should be received by Friday 24th September 2010, at the latest. They can be emailed to licact2003@southend.gov.uk or mailed to: The Licensing Authority, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ZG.

The draft policy can be downloaded from the Council website http://www.southend.gov.uk/. Copies are also available by contacting the licensing team on 01702 215005 or by visiting the Customer Contact Centre in the Council Offices at the Civic Centre at the above address.

If you would like to attend a meeting/focus group specifically to discuss the licensing policy then please contact the licensing team on 01702-215005 to register your interest.