Proactive approach ushers in new licensing responsibility
Officers at Wealden District Council have been congratulated for their proactive approach in dealing with the new pub licensing legislation which has helped speed up the handling of an important new Council responsibility.
Over 1000 landlords and licensed premises applied to have their drinks licences transferred under the new legislation. According to Wealden estimates, this means that 90 per cent of pubs and clubs will have their licenses renewed without having to go through the lengthy process of applying for a new licence.
The Council’s proactive approach, which included training sessions for publicans and a vigorous communications campaign, has avoided the extra expense to publicans of having to apply for new liquor licences, and saved the Council time and money in having to hold special sub-committee meetings to deal with new applications.
But it meant a severely increased workload for Council officers in the weeks up to the August 6 transfer deadline.
“Wealden’s success in achieving a result higher than national average for transfers has attracted the attention of the Local Government Association, which has enquired about our strategies for success,” said Councillor Jan Dunk, Cabinet member for Planning and Environmental Protection. “Our officers have done a marvellous job.”
Most personal licences, which include a photographic identity, have already been issued and new licences for premises are expected to have been sent out by November 24.
Councillor Jim Hollins, who chairs the Liquor and Entertainments Licensing Committee, praised officers for working with licensees to discuss their needs and the expectations of the community. This has led to early agreements, removing the need for over 50 cases to go to meetings of the Liquor and Entertainments Licensing sub-committee. So far 23 cases have gone before this sub committee.
“Although the Government acknowledges the concerns of local authorities in setting fees at a higher level than had originally been anticipated, it is unlikely that these will ensure the full cost of the Council’s new licensing responsibility will be recovered in the course of the financial year,” said Councillor Hollins.
Councillor Hollins thanked the officers of Committee Services and Licensing sections for their intense work that has resulted with successfully coping with the extraordinary workload of publicity, staff and member training, media releases, one-to-one discussions with the trade and the additional number of agendas, reports and minutes for the sub-committee meetings.
This preparation has enabled the Council to successfully deal with the flood of applications that came in over the summer months.
Councillor Hollins thanked each member of the Liquor & Entertainments Licensing Committee for their sensitivity and personal commitment to training, case preparation and committee work.
“Their efforts have contributed enormously to the success of this new aspect of Local Government, making this a joint success for Wealden’s officers and members,” he said.
Note to Editors:
The following applications received by Wealden District Council during the transitional phase which ended on August 6:
Personal………………………………….610
Club premises……………………………..47
Premises…………………………………424
Sub-total (all premises)…………………471
Total (all applications)……………….…1081
