Renfrewshire’s Licensing Board is seeking the views of members of the public on whether there is overprovision of licensed premises in Renfrewshire.
The Board has launched a major public consultation which runs until 16 January 2015. The consultation specifically asks for views on a number of areas in Paisley and Renfrew.
This follows an earlier consultation in which requests were made to declare twelve areas overprovided for in terms of off-sales premises as well as to possibly change the current policy in relation to Paisley’s Town Centre and West End.
Licensing chiefs have pledged that the comments expressed ‘will help inform’ future licensing policy.
People’s views are being sought on the availability of alcohol in licensed premises such as pubs, clubs and off-sales premises, and whether there is overprovision of licensed premises.
The Licensing Board’s current policy is that an area of Paisley town centre is overprovided for in terms of ‘liquor and pub type’ premises.
Councillor Alex Murrin, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Licensing Board, said: “We want to give everyone with an interest in licensing issues the opportunity to make their views known during the consultation.
“That includes residents, community groups, customers, trade and business organisations, owners of licensed premises and other public organisations such as the police, health and fire services, as well as the local licensing forum and groups representing young people.
“Our consultation questionnaire, which is also available online, has a ‘Comments’ section where people have the chance to give a bit more detail on their thoughts on overprovision in addition to the short questionnaire.”
The first question relates to the availability of alcohol with respondents asked if they think there are too many premises selling alcohol/not enough premises/or just the right number of premises.
“The second question asks people if they think there is overprovision of licensed premises and, if so, where- and what types of premises– for example pubs and clubs, off-licences or both.
The consultation is available to complete in the licensing section of the Renfrewshire Council website.
Paper copies of the consultation document and questionnaire may also be viewed at local libraries and at the Customer Service Centre in Renfrewshire House, Paisley.