Licence requests start to trickle in

Pubs are beginning to have their applications for extended opening accepted under the new Licensing Act.

Despite the huge backlog of applications, a number of pubs appear to be getting the green light for increasing their opening hours from November.

Dudley-based Holden's Brewery, which owns 24 outlets in the West Midlands, has so far had five of its 10 applications accepted.

In general the process has been straightforward, according to one of its directors, Abi Thomas.

Only one pub, the Robin Hood in Ironbridge, Shropshire, has had problems. Local residents complained about its request to have the option to open until 1am, but the application was eventually granted.

Ms Thomas said: "On the whole, we're very happy with how the process has gone. Considering all the hype, it's been nowhere near as bad as we thought it would be.

"The authorities have been really lovely about the process."

In Cardiff, JD Wetherspoon's Ernest Willow pub has been granted extended opening hours - despite being regarded as a troublespot.

It has been given permission to open until 12.30am each night and until 3am from November and on 12 special occasions, providing police give their seal of approval. The company has two more applications in the pipeline for longer hours at the Eli Jenkins pub in Cardiff Bay, and the Mackintosh, at Cathays.

Adam Whisker from the local authority co-ordinating body LACORS, said he bel-ieved the situation was improving, due partly to a number of initiatives by local authorities.

"Councils are taking quite a proactive stance, with things such as roadshows, seminars and workshops," he said.

But he warned of the sudden surge that could flood local authorities leading up to the August 6 deadline. "We would still encourage the trade to get their applications in as soon as possible," he said.

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association, is tentative about the successes so far. "Things are beginning to move," he said. "I've seen a number of applications that have gone to hearing and gone through. However, many applications have still to be made. Fewer than 10 per cent of premises have applied."

• How has your application for extended opening hours gone? Let us know about your experiences under the new licensing regime, good or bad at arjf@gurchoyvpna.pbz​ or call 020 8565 3054.