Government Must "Get Its Blocks Off" Local Councillors Over Licensing (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Government Must "Get Its Blocks Off" Local Councillors Over Licensing

June 28, 2006 5:00 PM

Southwark Liberal Democrats have secured unanimous support in Council Assembly for sending a strong message back to the Government that it must reform its flawed licensing laws immediately.

Following a deputation from the Shad Thames Residents' Association outlining their concern at the recent granting of licence for a lap dancing club, all members agreed that an urgent review must take place to allow elected representatives to speak at licensing meetings and to allow licensing committee to put a stop to licences that are inappropriate for the area.

Labour members initially tried to redirect blame away from their Government, but Lib Dem Chair of Licensing Cllr Linda Manchester tabled an amendment that made the case for asking the Government to think again.

Commenting, Cllr Nick Stanton, Lib Dem Leader of Southwark Council and ward member for Riverside where an adult entertainment licence was recently granted, said:

"I am delighted that members from both sides of the chamber have finally agreed to work together to tell the Government that its licensing laws are completely flawed."

"It has been deeply frustrating that as a local councillor I have been unable to make official representations over the licence in my ward."

"For a long time the Labour group has tried to lay blame with the licensing committee that its own members sat on. It looks like they've finally woken up and realised that until the Labour Government changes its rules, we are stuck in this wholly unsatisfactory situation."

"We will never be able to bring moral arguments into these matters, but surely the Government can allow local councillors to decide whether or not an area is suitable for adult entertainment venues."

"It has always been quite clear to me that Tooley Street is completely unsuitable and that was made even clearer by the residents who came to speak to us tonight."