© South Wales Evening Post - 18 August 2005
Your recent article and letters concerning the granting of late drinking in nightclubs and pubs in Swansea and Mumbles show the real and genuine concern of local people about the associated risks of anti-social behaviour, violence and disturbance caused by alcohol-fuelled revellers. As much as I agree with much of what has been written in recent days and, indeed, I am on record as having questioned the concentration of so many licensed premises in Wind Street, I challenge those who attempt to lay the latest problems at the door of Swansea Council.
Back in 1997/8 when the Wind Street drinking dens were being proposed at planning committees, the council had to make a decision on how many premises they would allow to change their use from retail/banking to pubs and clubs.
They unwisely allowed virtually the whole street to become licensed premises. Back then, it was also for the magistrates courts to decide on the type of liquor licence to be granted - with much tougher criteria to be met and much earlier closing times that could be set, backed by strong legislation.
Now, we find ourselves in a very different situation. The Government in Westminster, in their infinite wisdom, decided to relax the laws relating to licensed premises to the point where establishments can apply for 24-hour opening times and there is a presumption in favour of applications going to the local authority for extensions from the existing 11pm or 12am drinkingup times.
Local councils can only turn down an application if there is strong and compelling evidence that, in granting the licence/extension, violence or other adverse effects will result specifically from the establishment in question. Otherwise the council would lose the case on appeal and face potentially huge legal costs.
I do not blame the police for failing to provide the licensing committee in Swansea with full facts relating to their fears about the granting of extensions in Swansea and Mumbles - you cannot put a figure on the "fear" or "expectations" of a rise in violence or anti-social behaviour.
However, if the police do find that adverse effects occur directly as a result of any late licence, they should report the facts to the council so that a review of any decisions can be made.
Although Labour in London has imposed this new licensing regime on us in Wales, at least there is scope to revisit decisions if violence or anti-social behaviour flares up as a result.
Councillor Rene Kinzett, Liberal Democrat, Mayals Ward
