Licensing lawyer claims residents have too much power

Objecting to the way licensed premises operate is becoming too easy for residents, according to a leading licensing lawyer.

Clare Eames, a partner at Poppleston Allen, said more resources are being used by councils to make it easier for residents to make complaints, in a presentation last week.

She pinpointed Camden Council in North London which has recently reviewed its licensing policy and is offering legal support to residents wishing to take action against pubs in the form of licensing reviews.

The council also allows residents to make complaints via its website to bring more issues to its attention.

Eames said: "We have seen a marked increase in the number of objections. All people have to do is click on a link on a website to make a complaint. It is so easy for them to raise an objection.

"The counter argument is what about the licensees because they do not all have the resources to be able to afford legal advice."

A Camden licensee, who did not want to be named backed her stance by telling The Publican ​that "Camden Council makes it as hard as they possibly can for you to operate."

He added: "They always blame pubs for anti-social behaviour and never take action against the 24-hours shops."

But Keith Moffitt, leader of Camden Council, said that although the council was keen to hear views from the public it does not mean they always get their way.

"We do go beyond the statutory minimum when it comes to consultation and we do as much as possible to allow people to have their say.

"But when it comes to it the committee and the councillors are aware of the legal framework they are operating in and do not simply rollover to whatever the residents want."