CAMDEN COUNCIL SETS OUT ENFORCEMENT STEPS UNDER NEW LICENSING LAW

29/11/05

Camden Council has set out how it will deal with pubs, clubs, restaurants or shops that cause alcohol-related disorder or trade illegally, after the new licensing laws came into force last week (Thursday 24 November).

There has been none of the widely predicted chaos on the streets, following the introduction of the 2003 Licensing Act, however Camden Council is carefully monitoring the situation in the borough. The council’s Licensing Committee agreed a joint enforcement policy and protocol that formalises its approach at its meeting last night (28 November).

The council has rated premises by how likely they are to cause problems of crime, disorder or nuisance. It has also looked at whether they might endanger public safety or put children at harm, for example through underage alcohol sales. This means that the places that cause serious problems or pose a risk to the public will be the first to face a clamp down. Although most licensees run their premises responsibly, and are continuing to do so under the new laws, a small minority of poorly managed or illegally operating venues can contribute to drink-driven crime and disorder.

Under the policy, Camden Council’s licensing, trading standards and environmental health teams have joined up with the Police and London Fire Brigade and set up a special team, called the ‘Tasking Group’, to pro-actively deal with alcohol-related disorder or any premises breaking their licensing conditions. Pubs, bars, restaurants or shops will be visited to make sure they understand the new conditions, and those operating illegally may be given a written warning with advice to avoid further action. However, if they repeatedly do this, cause disorder, or operate dangerously they will face strong action such as a licence review or even prosecution. The Tasking Group will make sure that the action it takes is targeted at the premises causing the most problems, and will deal with all premises consistently.

As soon as the new law came into force, council, police and fire brigade officers from the Group targeted and visited a number of premises, last Thursday night. Very few places were committing offences - two bars that were breaching their licence conditions were issued with written warnings and will be closely watched in coming weeks. A takeaway shop that had previously not applied for a new licence has now done so, following advice from licensing officers.

Camden Council is encouraging residents to report any complaints or concerns that they have about local premises to its licensing team and will also be actively liaising with residents groups across the borough to get their feedback on the effects of the Act going forwards. The council will publish guidance for residents on its website on how to report their concerns shortly*. Any evidence of incidents or problems received from residents can then be fed into the Tasking Group to decide what action needs to be taken.

Cllr Jonathan Simpson, Chair of the Licensing Committee, Camden Council, said:

“The first weekend since the new licensing laws came into force has passed with without incident. However Camden Council wants to continue to ensure that the borough is safe and trouble free from alcohol-related disorder. We want residents to enjoy living here and everyone visiting the borough’s pubs, bars and restaurants to have a safe and enjoyable evening out. Our local community has been very involved in the licensing process so far, attending panels and having a real input into licensing conditions, and the council will continue to encourage them to do so now the new law is in place. “

He added:

“Camden Council has found that giving licensees guidance and support is the most effective way of making sure that they stay within the law. We know that working closely with licensees, the police and London Fire Brigade to tackle any problems is key and we are confident that the clear, targeted and fair enforcement policy that we’ve agreed will help us do this effectively.“

Sgt Bob Dear of Camden Police's Licensing Unit commented,

"Using police intelligence, we attended several premises that had not applied for a licence under the new Act. Two venues were found to be in breach of the law and were advised accordingly. Licensing visits by the police will continue in the run up to the festive season and into the new year."

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