Licence consultation by text

Pub licensing consultations in Camden are set to change from the end of April, as the council asks residents to sign up for email and text alerts.

From 28 April, the council will no longer write to residents who may want to object to a licensing application, which usually applies to people living within 50m of the venue.

Locals will have to sign up for alerts, and a list will be emailed each week containing all new licensing applications.

They also have the option to be notified by text message each time a licensing application is received in their area.

These can cover the sale of alcohol, or the location of tables and chairs outside premises, and late-night "refreshment venues".

Camden Council said that these changes are "improvements" and will make the consultation process "faster and easier".

However, the Government's proposed changes to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will allow anyone, regardless of where they live or work, to object to a licensing application. Jonathan Smith, managing partner at licensing firm Poppleston Allen, is concerned anyone in the country will sign up to the alerts, raising the prospect of more complaints from outside the council area.

He said: "At the moment, it won't make a huge difference because licensing officers can exclude representations from anyone that doesn't live within the vicinity.

"But from the autumn, if the Government's plans do go ahead, there will be an opportunity for anyone to object."