Licensing officers about to take over powers from magistrates have been out on the streets to talk about the changes and seek the views of residents.

Brentwood Council staged a two-day exhibition outside the Chapel Ruins in the High Street as part of a consultation exercise.

The council has published a draft statement of its licensing policy in response to a new Government Act which states that all local authorities will be responsible for granting licences for the sale of alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment.

With the official start date less than five months away, council chiefs want to ensure that publicans, late night food sellers and residents are fully informed.

In future there will be one licence for the premises and another personal licence for individuals who sell or supply alcohol or those who authorise the sale or supply of alcohol.

Councils can only refuse licences if any of four licensing objectives are likely to be broken. These are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Resident Trevor Grant, of Weald Close, Brentwood, said he was opposed to the changes -particularly the prospect of 24-hour opening.

Mr Grant, who is retired, told Brentwood Council licensing officer Peter Knight: "This is very worrying unless you change the whole culture to coffee and food. It's drink, drink, drink and the real worry is the increase of this among teenage girls."

Retired company director Tony Walker from Hook End said: "I am not against drinking, I do it myself. But the large number of pubs puts you off coming to the town centre. If I was coming out with my wife in the evening, I would go somewhere further away from the town centre."

Council chiefs are calling time on the consultation on October 4. Any comments should be sent to the Licensing Section at Brentwood Town Hall by that date.

Published Tuesday September 28, 2004