Residents encouraged to give their views on licensing reforms

The Royal Borough is encouraging residents to come along to the Crime and Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 17 January to learn more about important changes to licensing activities - and how they can influence their implementation.

At the meeting - to be held at The Guildhall, Windsor, at 5pm - a Home Office spokesperson will give a presentation on the implications of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. Some of the key areas of interest to residents will be addressed and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and make a valuable input into the decision-making process.

Up for discussion will be:

• early morning restriction orders - these could effectively impose a fixed closing time on an area
• the relative impracticality of the proposals around a late night levy for licensees
• the fact that the borough's licensing department will become a 'Responsible Authority' which means it will if necessary be able to object to a licensing application
• who can make representations on licensing applications and reviews (this used to be those living closest but the act casts the net far wider)
• reviewing a licensing decision: anyone can apply for a review - what will this mean in practical terms.

Cllr David Hilton, chairman of the Crime and Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Panel, said: "Anti-social behaviour due to late night opening is a real concern for our residents. We have been working to find a balance between a vibrant night-time economy and the needs of residents not to be subject to anti-social behaviour.

"I am delighted that we have been given the chance to influence how these new regulations will be put into practice."

The discussion at this meeting should help to ensure that the views of stakeholders including residents are taken into account when the Home Office drafts the guidelines for implementing the legislation.

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