WARRINGTON Borough Council is inviting residents across the town to provide feedback on its new licensing policy.

The policy sets out how the council approaches its licensing responsibilities and aims to promote the four licensing objectives.

The objectives aim to tackle the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm and will provide important guidance in support of the national legislation on licensing.

It will apply when the council is making decisions on applications received for the sale and supply of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, as well as the provision of hot food or hot drinks between 11pm-5am.

“Well run pubs, restaurants, community clubs and late night food premises can play an important part in local communities and many of us enjoy socialising and having a good night out," said Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection.

"It is important that we work with everyone to provide a safe and welcoming town.

“The Licensing Act sets out a number of key objectives and we want to promote these at a local level to reduce any crime, antisocial behaviour, noise, litter and other issues associated with licensed premises that can blight our local areas.

“We have worked hard to ensure that the latest policy upholds the principles of legislation so that any application is considered on its relative merits.

"We also want the policy to be a meaningful, well used document, which reflects local issues and policies - it is important that everyone has a voice and that their views are taken into consideration when decisions are taken on such applications.

"We have already carried out some surveys in key areas but I would encourage everyone to have their say."

The policy and feedback questionnaire can be viewed at www.warrington.gov.uk/consultations and closes on March 13.