Westminster Council hits back at licensing criticisms

Westminster City Council has defended heavy criticism that it is preventing the growth of entertainment in the city by refusing new applications for licences.

Spokesman Cormac Smith told thePublican.com that despite recent bad press, latest figures showed that the population of the City of Westminster continues to grow at a faster rate than in any other borough in England and Wales.

Mr Smith said: "We're delighted that central London is still a magnet for people who want to come and live here and we view the growth of the night economy as important to this.

"However, this growth cannot continue unchecked. We have been criticised in the past for granting very few late licences but this is because we do not want to drive people out."

Trade leaders have criticised the council in the past over its policy of banning new late licences in the West End and other key areas of Westminster. They claim the policy gives unfair weight to residents' views.

To counter this problem, a new trade body has been established to represent the views of pub and bar operators in the area.

The Westminster Licensees' Association is the first collective voice for licensed retailers in the borough and aims to represent the views of the sector in the local policy making process.

It plans to ensure that the needs and concerns of operators are addressed and will promote a wider recognition of the social, cultural and economic benefits the trade brings to Westminster.

Related news:

Westminster licensees join forces to have say in local policy decisions (14 August 2001)