2nd September 2005

A leading Green Councillor has labelled the Government's new licensing laws as 'crazy' after being told that he is not able to object to applications for extended licensing hours in the area he represents.

Cllr Craig Simmons, who represents East Oxford County Division which spans the Cowley Road where there are many licenced establishments, says: "Because of Government changes to allow 24-hour drinking, I am being notified of about 10 new applications in my area each week. I have written to object to many of the applications  where I am aware of previous problems or where the establishment is in a street where residents would be unduly affected by the noise and nuisance from extended opening hours."

However, Cllr Simmons has been told by officers that unless he is personally affected by the application (for example, the licensed premises are close to his home) then the new law prevents his objection being taken into consideration.

Adds Simmons, "When an elected Councillor is prevented by law from representing the views of their electorate  then something is seriously wrong. The Government is clearly pushing through this law without any regard for local people. The law is nothing short of crazy." 

Only 28 days is allowed for objections with many applications being submitted during the holiday period when residents are away. By law, only a small notice of the application has to be posted. If no objections are received from people living near the premises then the Council is bound to agree any application.

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