Back2Skate

(Date of issue: Thursday, 6 January 2011)

Carlisle City Council’s new Statement of Licensing Policy comes into force on Friday, 7 January 2011.

The council has to undertake a review every three years and the new amended policy will replace the 2008 version.

The revised document takes into account comments received as part of a 2010 summer consultation with local residents and businesses, who were asked to have their say. The Police, Fire Service and other interested parties were also consulted.

The consultation period started in early July and ended in late September 2010.

Carlisle City Cllr John Mallinson, Portfolio holder for Governance and Resources, said:

“The council takes its responsibility as the licensing authority in Carlisle very seriously. It is extremely important that we get the policy right for the businesses and residents in the area and work in partnership with the Police and Fire Service along with the other responsible authorities. We appreciate all the comments we received as part of the consultation process.”

Copies of the policy will be available on the council’s website www.carlisle.gov.uk and from the reception area at the Civic Centre in Carlisle from this Friday (7 January). A summary of proposed amendments to the existing policy is available as a separate document to make it easier for people to see the changes that are being proposed.

Carlisle City Council fully implemented the Licensing Act 2003 in November 2005, which at the time introduced significant changes to the way that premises were licensed.

Areas affected included the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment. As the new Act was implemented full responsibility for the licensing of premises was transferred from the Magistrates to the City Council.