6 reasons why the public need to be informed about applications for drinks licences

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Very often, this feedback proves invaluable to both the applicant and the neighbours. As the cases below demonstrate, good communication often allows the parties to agree on a compromise that allows the business to expand the trade, with mitigation measures that keep the residents happy.

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But this can only happen if people know what is going on in their neighbourhood. Something that is under threat from the Government's latest proposals.

Here are six reasons why the Government should not remove the requirement for drink and public entertainments licence applications to be advertised in local newspapers:

1. Last month residents raised concerns about plans for another late-night off-licence in Bearwood High Street after a notice was placed in the Express & Star. Plans to turn the former Twisty Pretzel bakery attracted a string of objections from neighbours, concerned about the proliferation of such shops in the area. The advert was placed as part of a compulsory consultation exercise, and gave the public the opportunity to have their say on the matter.

2. In January, Walsall Council agreed to allow Samira Rukmal Kahandagamage to sell alcoholic drinks from his shop in Stafford Street, Willenhall, but imposed strict conditions after a member of the public voiced concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area.

Mr Kahandagamage agreed not to stock beers or ciders stronger than 6.5 per cent, except for craft beers, in order to minimise the risk of drunken behaviour. He agreed not to sell single cans or bottles of beers or ciders, and said he would ensure that drinks accounted for no more than 25 per cent of his tock on display. 

The conditions were agreed after a resident said Stafford Street already had a problem with drinking in public, with children as young as 13-year-olds have been seen to be consuming alcohol on the streets. Had the details of the application not been made public, residents would not have had a voice and their concerns would have gone unheeded.

3. In July Dudley Council gave permission for the former Old Court House pub in Kingswinford to be brought back into use as a bar and grill, after granting it a drinks licence. However conditions were imposed saying that music must not be played after 12.30am after three objections were raised by neighbours. 

4. More than 100 people objected to Sporting IKhalsa FC's application for a late-night drink and entertainment licence last year, voicing concerns about noise, pollution and traffic. The licence was granted after Tarlaz Singh Dosanjh told councillors that the bar would only be open on matchdays, and would make no difference to traffic levels as the customers would already travel there for the match. The committee did agree to impose a condition that all litter must be cleared up at the end of each night's trading. The important thing is that the decision was made in full consideration of residents' concerns, which would have gone unheard had they not been informed about them in the newspaper.

5. When Old Wulfrunians sports and social club, near Wolverhampton, applied for a licence allowing outdoor drinking until 1am, it led to objections from 14 residents. In response, the club amended its application so that the activities ended at 9pm Monday to Thursday, and 11pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday,, and the licence was granted.  

6. This year the Boathouse pub in Rushall applied to extend its opening hours to 1.30am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with drinks served and music played up until 1am, the proposals attracted objections from neighbours. In response, Star Pubs and Bars withdrew the live and recorded music aspect of the application, offered to close windows and doors and close off the outside area, except for smokers, at 10.45pm. Councillor Lorna Rattigan welcomed the mitigation measures, and the licence was granted.