The Licensing Board of the City Council are inviting public responses to their consultation about proposed later closing times for clubs and pubs in Dundee.In brief they are proposing to introduce three categories of licensed premises, each with different entitlements as far as opening hours are concerned. This would involve formally recognising the category of "licensed premises with substantial entertainment" and allow extensions until 2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. In order to maintain a distinction between these premises and dedicated nightclub/discotheque premises, it is suggested that the latter be allowed to open until 4.00 am on the same two nights of the week. As far as other licensed premises are concerned (what were public houses under the 1976 Act), the suggestion is that these be allowed to open until 1.00 am, on Fridays/Saturdays. Premises providing restaurant facilities would not be affected and would still be permitted to open beyond midnight with the approval of the Board as under the current policy.
While members of the public and the licensed trade can respond to the idea of the three categories of licensed premises and their proposed later opening hours, there are a number of questions that are not directly posed in the consultation. Firstly, do we think that the later opening hours should apply in each and every location in the city or should we distinguish between the city centre and other parts of Dundee.
Secondly, what are the costs from these proposed changes? For example, what will be the additional cost of policing later opening hours? I know that the night time economy already commandeers a significant chunk of the policing budget. I think many folk who would prefer to see more police officers on the beat in their neighbourhood, rather than focusing on curbing rowdy behaviour in the city centre.
Secondly, what are the costs from these proposed changes? For example, what will be the additional cost of policing later opening hours? I know that the night time economy already commandeers a significant chunk of the policing budget. I think many folk who would prefer to see more police officers on the beat in their neighbourhood, rather than focusing on curbing rowdy behaviour in the city centre.
I know many residents live close to existing licensed premises in central Broughty Ferry. I hope that they take this opportunity to respond to the Council's consultation because these proposed changes could have a significant and lasting effect on life in The Ferry.
Closing date for responses Wednesday 31 July 2013
Closing date for responses Wednesday 31 July 2013
