25 January 2006
Guidelines help communities to encourage a change in drink culture
The Methodist Church has published guidelines telling churches
everything they need to know about the Licensing Act 2003. The Act
is fully explained in a new updated version of the briefing One Too
Many? New additional guidance advises people how to respond to
licence applications in their local areas.
The updated version of One Too ManyÉ?, which explores the issue of
alcohol misuse as well as licensing laws, now also explains the
process of raising concerns over local applications for extended
drinking hours. Residents are encouraged to engage positively with
their local authorities and explain how they might be affected by
such applications. It also contains advice about the process of
making a representation to the local authority.
People are often concerned about the effects of binge drinking on
the life of their community, but the Government has stated that
under the new law it will be easier for local people to have an
influence over licensing decisions. Alison Jackson, Secretary for
Parliamentary and Political Affairs, says: 'Although it is too
early to tell how the new system will work, people who are
concerned about how an application might affect their local area
are not powerless. They have the right to be heard, and this
publication tells them how'.
The Church is also keen to hear from those who have approached
their local authorities about applications, and anyone wishing to
share their experiences should contact David Bradwell, Public
Issues, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR
or email bradwelld@methodistchurch.org.uk.
One Too Many? and the additional guidelines can be downloaded here.