A MOVE to modernise ?archaic? licensing laws was last week given a broad welcome by West Devon councillors meeting in Tavistock.
The borough?s environment committee heard the Government?s new Licensing Bill, which had its first reading in the House of Lords in November last year, is intended to create a more civilised and responsible culture to the country?s liquor and entertainment industry.
The bill, which the Government hopes will achieve Royal Assent by July this year, includes tough new measures to combat alcohol related crime and disorder, more flexible opening hours and extra powers to control the sale and supply of alcohol to children.
Roger Collins, the borough?s head of building services, told the committee the new rules would mean big changes for the council.
Mr Collins said: ?There is less red tape but a greater say for the public. Licenses would be granted by local authorities accountable to the electorate instead of magistrates and the views of local residents will be taken into account in deciding applications.
?This is going to be a big undertaking for local government ? there will be staffing and procedural implications.?
Cllr Ted Sherrell, a JP and serving magistrate, said licensing laws were ?archaic? and he welcomed the bill ?most strongly?.
Cllr Sherrell said: ?The licensing laws need massive change ? for example, the landlord of a pub can stock loose tobacco, but he?s not legally allowed to sell papers!?
Cllr Sherrell said under present laws, most pubs ?chuck out? their customers at the same time which led to public order problems ? more flexible opening hours would mean people would be treated ?more like adults?.
Cllr Peter Hill, who is also a magistrate, said the council would have to operate extremely closely with the police and residents to make sure licensing decisions were considered properly.
Cllr Denise Herrod-Taylor hoped the new bill would help ?bust the culture? of drink.
And Cllr Caroline Keane said people needed to be ?personally responsible with regard to alcohol and drugs? and the Government had a ?moral duty? to sort out the law in connection with alcohol, particularly where children were concerned.
She urged the council to set up a task group to keep a close eye on the passage of the bill.
The committee agreed a resolution by the council?s planning committee not to support transfer of responsibility from magistrates courts and local authorities ? a view to be made known to other local authorities in Devon and to MPs.
Members agreed it was too early to set up a task group but to establish one at an appropriate time in the future.