Drop-in sessions for people to give their views on licensing

Our licensing team are doing the rounds to hear people’s thoughts on proposals to make Plymouth nights out even better.

The Council has launched a consultation on ideas to update existing licensing policies to take into account new legislation and to better manage the knock-on effects a night out can have on others.

Changes being suggested will put more responsibility on licence holders to spell out how they plan to better run their premises; looking at issues such as availability of tap water for customers, control of adult entertainment and better management of customers.

Another proposal is for off-licences – including super markets – to be part of the Cumulative Impact Policy that already operates in Plymouth.

Five areas are covered by the policy – Stoke, the Barbican, North Hill, Mutley Plain and Union Street – and anyone who applies for a licence has to prove their business will not add to nuisance or anti-social behaviour. This currently does not include off-licences or hot food stalls, but they could now be considered.

The Council is also looking at a late night levy which is designed to pass on the costs of alcohol to the businesses that make the money from drinking.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “Thousands of jobs depend on our clubs and pubs and other businesses that help make Plymouth a great night out. But we need to make sure we get the right balance for the revellers and residents living nearby.”

The consultation is already underway and next week there will be drop-in sessions in areas where there are a lot of pubs and clubs.

• Monday 19 August  Stoke Library from 2pm until 7pm
• Tuesday 20 August Mutley Plain Baptist Church, 4pm until 8pm
• Wednesday 21 August Central Library, 1pm until 5.30pm
• Thursday 22 August The Barbican Quayside, 11am until 8pm – in a gazebo
• Friday 23 August Place de Brest, 12pm to 4pm – in a gazebo
• Friday 23 August Oasis Café Manor Street, 5.30pm to 8pm

There will also be an event on Tuesday 27 August for the licensed trade and other interested businesses with an interest in the consultation. More dates are being planned. The consultation runs until 5 October.

Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/licensingconsultations or email licensing@plymouth,gov.uk or by post to Licensing team, Public Protection Service, Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth PL12AA