Tenby is in danger of becoming a 'giant nightclub', unless licensing applications are given full attention by the town council, claimed a member this week. Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas believed that Pembrokeshire County Council's decision not to provide local councils with full details of licensing applications, in light of the new licensing act that could see many public houses apply for 24-hour, licences was bad news.
"It could be a nightmare and turn Tenby into a giant nightclub, something that the town's police inspector advised this council not to let happen when considering approving later licences to pubs within the town," she stressed at Tuesday night's meeting.
"How on earth, though, can we comment on each application when Pembrokeshire County Council no longer provide us with sufficient enough details on what the premises are applying for," she added. Clr. Mrs. Kerri Durham agreed, adding: "How can we object to something or pass comment when we don't even know what we are objecting to. We need the information in front of us."
Under the new licensing act, town councils are no longer considered a 'statutory consultee', therefore the county council no longer has to provide details other than that a premises has submitted an application.
Councillors agreed that the town clerk should make every effort to attend County Hall in Haverfordwest before the town council's meeting agenda is set, to view full application details and report back with details on any variations to hours.