COMMUNITY safety chiefs are urging York people to speak out about their drink-related concerns at a public meeting called to discuss changes to the licensing laws.

Responsibility for licensing passes from magistrates to City of York Council next year under the new Licensing Act, and the authority is preparing to consult on how it intends to apply its new duties.

Under the changes, a new single, integrated licensing scheme will apply to all venues providing entertainment, selling alcohol and serving late-night refreshment.

Major differences to the current set-up will also include an end to the standard pub closing time, and the need for late-night takeaways to apply for a licence for the first time.

Any fears about 24-hour drinking or antisocial behaviour can be voiced at a public meeting about the changes, which is taking place from 7pm until 9pm on September 14 at the Guildhall.

The Safer York Partnership is keen for residents to express their views at that event.

Carole Patrick, funding and communication manager, said: "It is absolutely key that residents use this forum to put their own points forward prior to the council taking on these new responsibilities.

"This opportunity shouldn't be missed. As a resident of York this is your opportunity to have your say and influence how the council deals with these licences in the city.

"Drink-related crime is a problem in York as in other cities. Anything that potentially increases crime is of concern to us."

The meeting will be chaired by Councillor Andrew Waller, the council's executive member for environment and sustainability, and Coun Gil Nimmo, licensing committee chairman.

Coun Waller said: "In their rush to bring in 24-hour drinking, the Government will make it more difficult for licences to be rejected. I have already had a large number of letters from residents around the city who are concerned that this will lead to more disturbances in their areas."

He said the meeting would clarify what powers the council will have, but said there was also concern about "the increased burden on the council tax" if the necessary resources were not provided.

"This could be over £100,000 per year - there will be need for more staff, and more equipment," he warned.

Updated: 08:35 Friday, September 03, 2004