Late Licences Debate

A public meeting was held last month in Bridgnorth Town Hall in response to growing complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour very late at night as customers leave town centre venues with 3am licences. Members of the Shropshire Licensing Authority attended the meeting as did local police, council members, local licensees and MP Philip Dunne. Residents voiced frustration that the licensing process is complex, executed remotely and that they were not able to make appropriate representations of objection. Mr Dunne outlined current proposals which will change the licensing laws with a view to involving the local community more carefully with licensing decisions. Local police promised a fresh look at increasing the CCTV presence, especially in The Cartway. Shropshire Councillor Christian Lea commented: “What was most pleasing about the meeting was the very strong commitment from partners to work together to resolve some of the issues that residents are facing in the town centre.”