BURY'S booze trade is about to become "open all hours" and residents are urged to have their say before it becomes law.
Under the new Licensing Act 2003, magistrates' powers to award drinks licences will transfer to the local council, which will also license public entertainment, theatres, cinemas and takeaways offering late night refreshments. There will no longer be any nationally fixed hours of opening. However, the council will have to judge each application against four "public interest" objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children.
Applications, where the conditions differ from now, will have to be advertised so that people living near the premises can comment or object.
Bury Council will take on the new system later this year, but first has to publish a licensing policy setting key local principles, after consulting licensees, clubs, businesses, residents and the emergency services.
A copy of the council's draft policy is available on the council's website at www.bury.gov.uk, or from the council's licensing office (on 253 5208) to which comments should be returned.
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