11 December 2006
Working together with the pub trade
Co-operation is leading to greater benefit for publicans and the general public – that’s what Wealden District Council has found from the first year as a Licensing Authority.
“The implementation of the Licensing Act over the past year has been a great example of how a local authority can work with both its partners and the licensing trade,” said Councillor Jim Hollins, Chairman of the Council’s Licensing Committee. “This has ensured that the transfer of alcohol licensing from the Courts to the Council has been a great success and a tribute to all those that have played a part.”
In a pre-Christmas message to the licensed trade, Wealden District Council has praised the co-operation that has existed over the past 12 months between licence-holders and their staff, the Council’s Licensing Team and other enforcement agencies, including Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and East Sussex County Council Trading Standards.
Such co-operation will be important during the busy festive season, particularly when it comes to the problem of under-age drinking.
“In recent months a series of test purchasing exercises carried out by Police and Trading Standards officers have revealed that a worrying number of licensed premises are selling alcohol to under-age customers,” said Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Wealden’s Cabinet member for Health and Community Safety.
“As Chairman of the Safer Wealden Partnership, I am concerned at this apparent trend and must warn licensees that their licences may be called in for review if their premises consistently fail in this respect.”
Wealden’s Head of Environmental Protection, John Gallop, adds:
“The Council is actively encouraging all licence holders to adopt a Challenge 21 policy. This means asking anyone who looks under 21 years, to prove they are over 18 if buying alcohol. We want to see the principle of “No ID : No Sale” used as a basis for day to day activities, with licence holders ensuring that all staff are fully trained and aware of these requirements.”
“As Licensing Authority, we are well aware that licensees can be put under considerable pressure by young people to sell them alcohol. If licensees are experiencing such problems we would like them to come to us for advice. Although we have an enforcement role to perform, we would much rather work with the trade to eliminate problems before the event than enforce afterwards.”
The Council took over responsibility for licensing from the Magistrates Court in February 2005, with new powers coming into effect from November 24 last year.
During the transition, many objections were received in respect of potential noise or disturbance issues arising from extended licensing hours. Wealden District Council’s Licensing Committee held hearings into 26 applications to vary licences and, in most cases, attached additional conditions.
"I am delighted that none of these licences have been recalled before the Committee under the Review process, and that the only Review in 2006 reached a satisfactory conclusion. This demonstrates that the Council and the Police are achieving the right balance between the needs of the business and the interests of the local residents." said Councillor Hollins, who added, "I also share Councillor Mrs Doodes’ concerns about under-age drinking and hope that all licensees and their staff will prevent the sale of alcohol to those under-age by being extra vigilant over Christmas and New Year."
