A COMMUNITY has been invited to comment on a council's draft policy that will influence the way in which licences are issued.

Under the Licensing Act 2003 the responsibility to issue licences will transfer from the magistrates courts to Chester-le-Street District Council, among others, from February 2005.

The act will change the way in which licences are applied for to sell alcohol and will pave the way for a more flexible system of licensing public entertainment and the sale of hot food at takeaways and mobile food vehicles.

Establishments such as pubs, nightclubs, off-licences, take-aways, restaurants as well as some non-profit making clubs leisure and community centres will be affected by the act.

District council licensing committee chairman Coun Colin Carr said: "The council welcomes the opportunities that the new legislation offers and has drafted a policy which seeks to recognise and balance the needs of all stakeholders.

"We hope that many people will use this consultation to have their say on how licensing will operate within Chester-le-Street."

Two meetings have been arranged for the public and business people to discuss the policy and its implications with council officers and members of the licensing committee.

They will be held at the council chambers in the Civic Centre from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on Wednesday and at the Chester-le-Street Community Association, in Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street from 2pm until 4pm on November 5.

Copies of the draft are available from the civic centre reception or on the authority's website: www.chester-le-street.gov.uk.