Licensing officers gear up for Christmas

Licensing officers and police are gearing up for the festive period by undertaking enforcement visits to licensed premises.

Officers are reminding licensees and their staff of their responsibilities with regards to the sale of alcohol and its effects on customers.
 Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board’s Business Manager and Member for Public Protection and Youth Services Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to join the fun without celebrations getting out of hand.”

With the introduction of the new mandatory conditions, we are moving towards a safer drinking attitude, with the removal of irresponsible drinks specials and promotional offers that encourage people to drink more, faster or within restricted times.

Free tap water should now be available at licensed premises, and with smaller alcohol measures also being available, licensees can do their bit to ensure that the public have an enjoyable, but memorable night out.
Licensees are also asked to be extra vigilant about serving to under-age customers or anyone who appears to be drunk or those that arrive at bars and clubs ‘pre-loaded’ (where large amounts of alcohol are drunk by persons at home or elsewhere before going out for the evening).
Customers are asked to cooperate with staff if asked to produce proof of age documents when purchasing alcohol.

Since the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003, premises have been licensed for a variety of activities, extended permitted hours and have specific licence conditions. Licensees and their staff are expected to know what is contained on their licence and to ensure that they comply fully with their license conditions.

Officers will be expecting to see the premises summary document displayed in full public view, at a convenient height, not obscured and in such a way that each page of the document can easily be read by any person at the premises. The licence document must also be kept at the premises and officers will expect staff at the premises to be able to produce the licence without delay.
Police and licensing officers will also check that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and peaceful festive period. If problems occur, the council and police will consider prosecutions and fixed penalty notices.

The Council’s Licensing Committee Chairman, Cllr. Tom Theophilus said: “Our aim is to make sure that premises are properly run and that everyone can enjoy themselves safely and responsibly over Christmas and the New Year.

For more information call the Licensing Section on 01267 234567 or e-mail: publicprotection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk