Council asked to reject Licensing Policy

4.12.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Dec 2007

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland is calling on the councillors to reject the Council's new Licensing Policy because it does not deal with problems which have arisen since the smoking ban.

She said,

" Since the ban on smoking in enclosed spaces came into force, drinkers who want to smoke are gathering outside pubs on the pavements and taking their drinks with them. There is also a substantial nuisance caused by litter from smokers which the council is having to clear up.

The new policy covers issues likely to cause a public nuisance including noise and smells coming from inside the pub or from people leaving the pub. It covers the misuse of car parks and gardens. None of the provisions cover problems with smokers and drinkers who go outside and stand around on the doorstep or the pavement and it is an increasing problem for residents.

It is not clear that residents and councillors can take action under the new policy against pubs which allow this to happen and that is why I want it send back and changed so that we can. "