PEOPLE in the Chester-le-Street area can find out how the new licensing laws will affect them at a public meeting next week.

Chester-le-Street District Council is holding the event in the town's Bullion Hall, South Approach, on Thursday to explain to residents how the new laws, which relax restrictions on drinking time, work.

The council, like others up and down the country, has taken over responsibilities for licensing pubs and clubs from magistrates.

The new laws require all pubs and clubs to apply to councils for a new type of licence, and many are seeking later opening hours.

The council's licensing officers will explain how the new system works and how people can find out more information about it.

They will cover subjects such AS where to find out about applications, how to object to applications and how the appeals procedure works.

A council spokesman said: "Concluding this session, there will also be an opportunity for people to ask members of the licensing team any questions they may have regarding changes in the law.''

The meeting starts at 6.30pm.

Anyone who wants to attend, or has any queries, should call the licensing team on 0191-387 2202.