Your chance to have a say on sales of alcohol

Express readers can now have their say on how alcohol sales are regulated in Renfrewshire.

A detailed consultation is now under way on Renfrewshire’s draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2018-2022.

This policy assists Renfrewshire’s Licensing Board in the licensing of premises selling alcohol such as pubs and off licences and helps with decision making when considering requests to change opening hours.

It promotes the objectives of national licensing legislation to prevent crime and disorder; secure public safety; prevent public nuisance; protect and improve public health and protect children and young people from harm.

The draft policy was prepared following initial consultation and is supported by an issues report which sets out the elements for consultation and details a specific area in Paisley Town Centre with the potential overprovision of licensed premises.

A wide range of organisations are now being formally consulted on the policy, including licensing practitioners, Police Scotland, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership as well as Local Area Committees and community councils.

And the public consultation, which runs until Friday, August 3, gives people the opportunity to comment on the matters in focus, and to consider current provision of premises in their towns and villages.

Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the Licensing Board, said:“The board has an important role to play in promoting health and securing public safety when taking decisions on the licensing of the sale of alcohol.

“I would encourage you to consider the provision of premises like pubs and off licences in your local area and complete the short online consultation survey.

“This will help to shape the final policy for Renfrewshire guiding decision making over the coming years.”

Feedback from the consultation will be reported to the Licensing Board before a final policy statement is presented for approval in the autumn.

Any new policy guidance does not change existing licences in place.

You can complete the online survey at http:// www.renfrewshire.gov. uk/licensingpolicyreview