News
New powers to cut alcohol-related crime
The government has changed the licensing powers of local authorities in relation to alcohol and entertainment.
Under the introduced changes Watford Council can now take action against those aged under-18 who persistently possess alcohol in a public place, while local police power has been extended allowing them to issue ‘directions to leave’ to young people aged ten to 15.
Watford police powers have also been amended with regard to the confiscation of alcohol, so that they no longer need to prove that the individual ‘intended’ to consume it. Local councillors now also have the right to make representations to the council about licensing applications, and to call for licences for pubs, clubs, off-licences and restaurants to be reviewed by the council when they threaten the licensing objectives of crime prevention, public safety, public nuisance and child protection.
Previously councillors could only act if they personally lived or worked in the vicinity of the premises, or if their constituents asked them to act on their behalf. Now councillors can act on their own initiative about premises anywhere in Watford.
Councillor Derek Scudder, portfolio holder for environmental services and Hertfordshire Police Authority representative, said: “Councillors can also now object to licence applications that undermine the licence objectives or to call time on premises which might cause nuisance and disturbance to the community.
"We will be able to reflect residents’ concerns more effectively than before when operators apply for late night licences, particularly in the town centre, and to call for reviews when operators step out of line. These new powers will also give the police the powers they need to tackle under-age drinking in public places, which cause residents concern,” added the councillor.
Post a Comment on this News Article.