Local Licensing Forum electronic noticeboard
Date Added - 28/08/09
With the imminent ‘go live’ date for the Licensing (Scot) Act 2005 approaching (1st September), people are becoming more aware of the impact the Act may have on them. Members of the Licensing Trade are, generally, pretty well aware of the implications, having had to apply for their premises licence and submit layout plans, along with all the other obligations required of licensees. However, the public in general are also becoming more aware as various particular aspects of the Act are discussed in public, and debated in the media.
Issues such as alcohol display regulations, under age policies, test purchasing, the rights of garages to sell alcohol, minimum pricing, ‘off-sale’ licensing hours, social responsibility fees and responsible promotions amongst others will all have an impact in this area. It is, of course, an attempt to address the whole issue of the Scottish drinking culture and also attempts to address major social issues such as anti social behaviour, the effect of alcohol abuse on the Health services and the protection of children.
The concept of ‘Local Licensing Forums’ was introduced as part of the 2005 Act. Every Council has to establish a Forum for their area and the Moray Forum has been meeting for over one year now. Their function is to keep the operation of the Act, and the exercise of the local Licensing Board functions, under review for the area. They can then give advice, and make recommendations to the local Licensing Board, as it considers appropriate. They cannot deal with specific cases but, rather, give general voice as to matters relevant to the Moray area. In effect, they represent the Moray Community, and are to ensure that issues of concern, and interest, are made known to the Board members. To help facilitate this, and to try and make the process as accessible and user friendly as possible for the local community, an interactive notice board has been placed on the Moray Council website .
It covers most issues with Headings of Anti Social Behaviour, Criminal, General Queries, Health, Licensing, Trade and Youth. Any questions or points raised will be directed to the most appropriate member of the Forum for a response, with the query and response being left on the board for the benefit of all. Personal details will not be published on the Board. Details of Forum membership, Minutes, Agendas etc are also available on the council website to make the whole process as open as possible.
This is the mechanism to ensure that the implementation of this new Act reflects the best possible practice for the people of this area and it would be hoped that members of the community will make good use of it to ensure their voices are heard.
