| Date -04 Feb 2010 | Return to previous page |
New recruits are being sought for a body which acts in an advisory capacity on licensing matters in Moray.
The Moray Local Licensing Forum was formed 18 months ago as part of a new Scotland-wide regime which saw sweeping changes to licensing laws.
These included the introduction of premises licences, personal licences for bar staff and the banning of promotions such as ‘happy hours’ and ‘two-for-the-price-of-one’ offers.
Further legislation is currently going through the Scottish Parliament which will mean more changes, the most contentious being the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol.
Local policies and the issuing of licences is the responsibility of the Moray District Licensing Board.
However, local licensing forums were introduced under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 – which went ‘live’ last September following an 18-month transition – to keep the operation of the Act under review and to give advice to boards on issues relating to licensing.
Three vacancies have arisen on the 20-strong Moray forum and applications are being invited from people with an interest in licensing matters and who would be able to contribute to the work of the forum.
Current chairman Iain Ednie said: “This is an opportunity for local people to have their voice heard in relation to local licensing matters.
“The forum meets four times a year and its main function is to discuss any issue relating to licensing and to act as an adviser to the licensing board.
“Membership of the forum is broad-based and includes representatives from the police, health service, heath education, social work and the licensed trade.“We are looking for applications from across the board to fill the current vacancies, but we would be particularly pleased to have a representative from one of the local supermarkets since that sector is becoming increasingly prominent on the licensing scene.”
Application forms for the forum can be downloaded here 