Sir, Under new legislation, a number of pubs and licensed premises in Tenby have, at the last minute, applied for licences to extend the closing times to 2.00 or in some cases, 3.00 in the morning. Alarmingly, the fine print in the Act means that any application failing to attract objections must go through. It is unfortunate that the consultation period has been largely in August, leaving little or no time for people to lodge objections. In Tenby, residents are particularly concerned because it is clear from Police records, our own local press and everyone's personal experience that extended hours are likely to be detrimental to the town. The cumulative impact could be disastrous. To some degree, Pembrokeshire County Council will regulate and monitor the Act, but will rely on some considerable support from the residents and businesses affected by changes in the law. PCC have published their rules, guidelines to licensees and frequently asked questions on their web-sites ('Licensing Act 2003 Pembrokeshire' should get you there). With respect to residents they say: "The protection of local residents is given a central place in the Licensing Act 2003. When an application is made for a new premises licence, a club premises certificate, or a variation of an existing licence or certificate, 'interested parties' are free to raise reasonable representations about the proposals. They may also apply to the licensing authority for a review of a premises licence or club premises certificate at any time. However, a licensing authority can reject such applications if they are not relevant to at least one of the licensing objectives, or if they are considered to be frivolous, vexatious, or repetitious. Local residents may make their views heard directly, or through a body representing persons living in the vicinity, such as a residents' association'. Tenby residents are not so gullible as to believe the spin. There is a stack of applications for new rights in the in-trays at the PCC at the moment, including these alarmingly late closing times. Tenby council has stood back because Haverfordwest has not sent them full details. The town council is not a statutory consultee - only an 'interested party' - a status similar to each resident. Furthermore, the council are happy to, or are morally required to stand back on this issue because some councillors have their own interests in licensed premises. As a result, full copies of applications are not kept in the council's office at the De Valence. The applicants are obliged simply to put a notice in the paper and their window to the street. They do not need to notify neighbours directly as they would if applying for, for example, planning consent. The forms are complex and lengthy. Objections must be premises specific and the complaint should demonstrate why there is reasonable objection. What chance have we? Time is running out. The representation (or objection) period is virtually over and it is essential that every resident finds out what changes their local has planned. Call the licensing officer at Pembrokeshire County Council today and make your comments in writing. Late objections will be heard provided applications have not got to committee.
Murray John, Tenby.