South Ayrshire Licensing Board would like to hear your views on a number of licensing issues as part of the Board's commitment to comprehensive consultation.
The Board's Statement of Licensing Policy is being reviewed now that the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is fully up and running and this consultation is seeking your views on a number of important issues such as closing times for licensed premises and what conditions should apply to premises with late licences.
Valerie Andrews, Clerk to the Board said: "The Board is obliged to carry out the review and has already identified certain areas that need to be addressed.
"We want to hear what you think if you buy alcohol at off sales and other places, go out for meals with your family and friends where alcohol is available or go to clubs or pubs.
"Even if you do not drink alcohol or never go to a club, hotel or public house, licensing issues are important to all of us. You may live near a shop that sells alcohol, or a club and if you have any comments on our proposals or ideas to share with us we would like to hear from you."
Preliminary proposals have been prepared and the views of all interested parties are being welcomed by the Board who want to know what people think of the consultation document. Topics covered in the document include:
- Trading Hours for off sales and on sales.
- Occasional licenses.
- Policy relating to beer gardens and noise nuisance.
- Children and young people on licensed premises.
- Adult or other entertainment.
- Overprovision of licensed premises.
The Board welcomes all comments and proposals in relation to its Licensing Policy Statement and will consider all views. It is particularly keen to hear views on the opening hours of premises and specifically when premises should close at night. At present some premises close at half past midnight while others stay open until 2.30 am. We want to your opinions on whether you think all premises should be able to apply to stay open later.
Responses are required by no later than 15 September 2010 in order that they may be considered when reviewing the policy.
To view the consultation document log on to http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations/ or view a copy of the document at one of our libraries at Alloway, Ballantrae, Carnegie in Ayr, Coylton, Dailly, Dundonald, Forehill, Girvan, Maybole, Mossblown, Prestwick, Symington, Tarbolton, or Troon.
Responses to this consultation should be e-mailed to licensing@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or posted to Licensing, South Ayrshire Council, Town Buildings, 29 New Bridge Street, Ayr, KA7 1JX.