Booze-ban Market Place in party plan
Dec 12 2006 By Robert Brooks, The Journal
A full licence is being sought to allow drinking, dancing and live music in a Northumberland market place - where an on-street booze ban is in force.
Local Living Ltd, which runs Alnwick's various markets, says it wants to help local organisations which lay on annual events in the town square during the year.
They include the world-famous Alnwick International Music Festival, the town's fair, a French farmers' market and other one-off events, mainly staged during the summer months.
In each case, the respective organisers have to apply for temporary licences to serve drinks, such as the cider stall during Alnwick Fair.
Following changes to the licensing laws last November, Local Living says a single licence from 9am to 9pm to cover the Market Place would reduce costs as well as provide a boost to the town.
But some residents are concerned it could lead to more crime and disorder.
And there is a bylaw in operation which prohibits on-street drinking of alcohol, introduced to curb booze-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour. Objector John Atkin, of Howick Street, said: "There is a ban on drinking on the streets of Alnwick, so where would this fit in with that matter?
"I suggest it will not fit at all.
"The town does not need the sale of alcohol from 9am to 9pm in the open on any day of the year, in a position where families want to wander through."
Local Living director Kathryn Potts said: "We are applying on behalf of all those organisations which already hold events in the Market Place. Temporary licences have been granted here for some time, and there has never been a problem.
"Events are always well-managed and there have been no complaints or objections.
"We want a vibrant Market Place, and that's what we are working towards."
The not-for-profit organisation is backed by the Alnwick Community Development Trust.
Chairman and Alnwick town centre district councillor Gordon Castle said: "We are actively trying to promote the Market Place, and we regard this as essential.
"We don't see the on-street drinking bylaw as being affected by what are special circumstances for events being held there."
The hearing will be held in Council Chambers on Clayport Street at 2pm on Thursday.
