Huge Response to call for Responsible Licensing
Bexley's licence holders turned out in force this week (21 Monday) for a seminar
on how to tackle the problems caused by underage drinking and the impact of the
new smokefree legislation.
Nearly 250 licensees, businessmen and women attended the seminar which was
organised by the Council and Police and held at the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath.
"I am pleased to see that representatives of local licensed premises
took the time to attend this important briefing. I appreciate that they must
be very busy," said Council Leader, Cllr
Ian Clement.
"We are keen to work in partnership with our licensees to make the new
licensing regime work, but we will take a tough line with those who don't consider
the needs of their local communities and work with us to prevent anti-social
behaviour in all its forms."
The purpose of the day was to share good practice on preventing the sale of
alcohol to young people along with a timely update on the smokefree legislation,
which comes into effect on 1 July. The licensees were also able to discuss new
arrangements for the licensing of amusements and gambling machines in their premises.
Licence holders had the opportunity to share any problems or concerns they
had and ask questions about the new legislation and Police and Council practice.
"Events like this are all about co-operation and partnership working,
which is the best way of promoting the licensing objectives," said Licensing
Committee Chairman, Cllr Mike
Slaughter. "The success of the day shows a
commitment by the Council, Police and licensed trade to work together in making
Bexley a better and safer place".
Chief Inspector Steve Murrant said; "I was delighted with the number
of licence holders who attended. We hosted a similar event in December of last
year, which only a handful of licensee's attended. The turnout at this seminar
shows that Bexley's licence holders are realising the impact the irresponsible
retailing of alcohol can have on a community and the importance of working with
the police and Council to stamp this out. By working together we can keep Bexley
one of the safest boroughs in London."
The seminar was split into two sessions, one aimed at off licences and the
other at pubs, clubs and restaurants.
