RESIDENTS in the Suffolk Coastal area are today being asked if they feel pubs and shops selling booze should have to contribute to the cost of extra police.
RESIDENTS in the Suffolk Coastal area are today being asked if they feel pubs and shops selling booze should have to contribute to the cost of extra police.
The moved would affect licensed businesses which have alcohol-related problems near their premises.
The council is consulting on a raft of new ideas from the government in the wake of further research from the lessons learned from the major changes to the licensing laws two years ago.
The new ideas will affect the sale of alcohol in shops, pubs or clubs, and at entertainment events such as plays, films, indoor sporting events, boxing and wrestling, live and recorded music, dance, and with late night food or drink.
“The new laws came into force in November 2004, putting more responsibility on licensees, particularly regarding crime and disorder, and giving this council significantly more power to take action against premises if necessary,” said Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Sherrie Green.
“Some of the proposed new changes could put tougher responsibilities on licensees to play their part in combating crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“The new rules could mean that licensees would have to contribute to the extra costs of policing if alcohol-related problems are regularly occurring outside of their premises. It will be interesting to hear views on these proposals.”
Other suggested changes include the need to take account of the new smoking ban and the impact that is having outside of licensed premises, and new rules regarding fire safety.
People can take part in the consultation on the council website -www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourbusiness/licensing/alcohol/policyreview - where there is an online questionnaire and comments should be made by November 13.
Do you think pubs and shops should pay for more policing to deal with alcohol problems? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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