Forum involvement encouraged

Volunteers are being sought for a new Aberdeenshire local licensing forum.

Aberdeenshire Council has replaced its former model of three forums with a single body, which is independent from the authority’s three licensing boards.

The forum’s role is to keep operation of the Licensing Act under review in the community, and to make recommendations to the licensing boards.

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 has five main objectives: Preventing crime and disorder; securing public safety; preventing public nuisance; protecting and improving public health and protecting children from harm.

One of the roles of the new forum will be to review how the licensing boards promote these objectives in the ways they operate.

The new group will have between five and 21 members, who will meet at least four times a year in various locations throughout Aberdeenshire.

Conservative councillor Jim Gifford, leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said they would play an important role in local life.

“The new forum gives our communities a real say on licensing matters in their areas, but we need people from all walks of life to volunteer to make it be the best it can be,” he added.

To get involved, or for more information, email licensing. forums@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The next meeting of the forum will be on Friday.