Trade Show Heralds New Era

Pembrokeshire's first ever licensing trade show could well become an annual fixture.

The event was organised by the County Council ahead of the new licensing laws which come into effect throughout the country early next year.

The Authority used the occasion to launch its draft licensing Policy which sets out the way the Council will be approaching its decision-making to licensing applications when the new system begins in February.

The Licensing Act 2003 makes the County Council responsible for a single licensing system which brings together existing controls under liquor, cinema, theatre, public entertainment and late night refreshment.

Said the Chairman of the Council's Licensing Committee, Councillor Don Evans: "We identified at a very early stage that the changes to the new laws were so significant that we had to involve all the key partners, and this approach has been particularly successful.

"We are now in a period of consultation which will end on 15th November and we are asking members of the public, licensees, various organisations and our statutory partners about our intended approach to licensing in the County."

"This policy has to be in place a month before 7th February, 2005, when applications from existing licensees for transfers can be made."

Gareth Watts, Principal Officer in the Council’s Public Protection Team, said: "The new controls will provide a far more flexible system of licensing in that permitted hours are removed."

"This means there will be significant new opportunities for businesses in the County as well as increased rights for local residents to influence the manner in which premises are operated. It is very much a balanced approach."

He said the trade show - held at the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre at Withybush, Haverfordwest - provided the perfect opportunity for those in the industry to meet the relevant people and organisations who could offer advice and assistance.

Photograph: Pembrokeshire LVA President, Jasper Slater, with Councillor Don Evans at the trade show.