Licensing Coordinator's report for 2007/8

Roy Skam

Photo by Henry Bruce

More variations of the conditions

By Roy Skam, NLCA Licensing Coordinator

I have been ably assisted by Gabrielle Villermet and we continue to monitor licensing applications for premises in the North Laine. Residents have also been kindly assisted by Cllr Ian Davey, who has advised and acted on their behalf.

Variations for longer hours

The past year has not been quite so busy on the licensing front as was the previous year but we are still seeing applications for new premises and also for variations of existing licences. The variations are mainly for even longer opening hours or later hours permitting live and recorded music. It seems that as soon as one premises is granted a variation a nearby one asks for the same.

Not in 'Cumulative Impact Area'

We were hoping to be included in the Cumulative Impact Area, but we will only be covered north as far as Church Street and the Council and Police are going to monitor the situation in the remainder of North Laine. This is very disappointing as we did send a very strong submission to the Council asking for total cover.

We can attend on your behalf

Gabrielle and I are prepared to attend licensing hearings on behalf of residents affected by an application but we emphasise that residents must also send in their own objections. If you cannot attend a hearing or want NLCA to speak on your behalf, then this must also be mentioned in the letter.

Get to know your publican!

Lastly, it is important that residents get to know their local publican and try to resolve their differences amicably.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 191, March/April 2008]