SOUTH HAMS Council is inviting residents

and businesses to have their say on the new

alcohol and entertainments licensing policy. A consultation period will begin on Friday, August 14 and run until Friday, November 6.

The renewed policy will determine how the council will make decisions on licensing issues for the next five years. The policy will also be used by local residents and businesses preparing licensing applications and making representations.

The new version includes updates to the local licensing strategy and references recent changes to legislation, including the Live Music Act. It also recommends that organisers of outdoor public events contact South Hams Council’s safety ­advisory group for advice and support.

The consultation is open for all local communities and businesses. All comments will be considered once the consultation has closed. The policy will then be published, detailing how the council intends to operate and promote licensing.

Cllr May, chairman of South Hams Council’s licensing committee, said: ‘We’re opening up the consultation so everyone can have their say. I encourage everyone who lives in the South Hams to comment and help shape this policy, which will be in place for the next five years.

‘It’s important that there’s the right balance in the policy between encouraging local culture and protecting residents from unreasonable disturbances.’

To read the new policy, visit www.southhams.gov.uk/shconsultations.

Comments can be made by emailing ­[email protected], or writing to Licensing Department, South Hams District Council, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NE.