Tenby Town Council have been urged to draw up a policy regarding licensing issues, making it clear what stance they will take on any such matters within the town. The call has come from Tenby Walled Town Residents' Association (TWTRA), who along with members of the council, recently attended the House of Commons select affairs committee meeting in Swansea to discuss anti-social behaviour. At that meeting, the chairman commented that he was surprised that considering the evidence of anti-social behaviour issues submitted to him in document form, there had been no criticism by Tenby Town Council of any clubs and pubs within the town, going on to ask the council if they would support a policy of 'naming and shaming' problem premises. Now TWTRA have written to the council asking them to draft a policy on licensing matters for the future which will reflect the balance of life in the town and interests of both businesses and residents inside the town walls along with the rest of Tenby. "With a strong council lead, much of the heat can be cooled before premises apply for new or renewal licences under the new Act before November 2005," wrote TWTRA secretary, Mr. Alistair Mackay. "At present in Tenby, many town councillors declare an interest in licensed premises and consequently have to leave meetings where related issues are raised and so are unable to contribute with their informed opinions and expertise to any debate. "As a consequence, some decisions made in the past have had to be reversed later. TWTRA asks the town council to take time to draft a policy for the future and also to encourage members with a conflict of interest to ask for dispensation in related debates, meaning that they would be able to speak even if they were unable to vote," added Mr. Mackay. When discussing the letter at Tuesday night's meeting, Clr. John Griffiths was keen to point out that the council would take each licensing application on its own merit. "We do not entertain hearsay or gossip relating to any public houses or licensed premises when it comes to making decisions on any applications that come before us," he stressed. "The only time we will act or comment on an individual premises is if proper facts or evidence are brought before us to consider." However, town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, revealed that after discussing the terms and policy of the new licensing Act with Dyfed Powys Police licensing officer, Mr. Tony Davies, it seemed that town and community councils were no longer considered 'statutory consultees' under the 2003 Act. "It seems that town councils are now only classed as another potentially interested party when it comes to commenting on licensing matters, having no more say in influencing decisions than any other local authority," explained the clerk. In the past, when applications were received by Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team for premises within the town, they were forwarded to the town council for discussion. Councillors would then pass on their comments on whether they approved or objected to the terms of the application, which could include a change in hours or a transfer of the licensee. "PCC are not required by law to forward any licensing applications to a town council as they are not considered a statutory consultee like say the fire brigade would be for example," explained police licensing officer, Mr. Tony Davies. "However licensing applications and renewals must be advertised in the local newspapers as a public notice and also put as a notice on the door of the premises for a period of 28 days," he added. Although the town council will continue to be informed of any licensing applications within the town in the future, Clr. Griffiths was unhappy that their views may now count for nothing under the new Act. "It seems that yet another responsibility has been abolished from town councillors, but it is still our duty to continue to keep a close eye on all licensing matters within Tenby," he stated.
