I WOULD like to clarify the issue of late licences, raised by Mr Dickinson's letter (April 29).

New legislation, which is expected to become operational in November, will remove the standard opening hours of licensed premises. Individual premises will have to apply to the council for a new licence to cover the hours they wish to trade.

All applications which involve a change to the present opening times will be displayed on the premises and advertised in the Evening Press. In addition, City of York Council will advise local residents who live close to the premises of the application.

Residents and businesses in the local vicinity and statutory authorities including the police and fire service will all be able to make representations to the council on the proposals.

From his letter it would appear that Mr Dickinson is collecting a petition. Its purpose is not entirely clear, but the implication in his letter is that the council should adopt a policy of no late licences in residential areas.

However appealing this may be to some, the council cannot legally take this approach. Each application must be considered on its own individual merits based on the representations received from those who the law deems to have the right to make them.

Dick Haswell,

Head of licensing and regulation,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place, York.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, May 05, 2005