A REVIEW of licenses for pubs, clubs and entertainment values is set to be extended amid ongoing uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Darlington Borough Council was due to hold a review in January and after extended it to April because of the lockdown, it is proposing to extend it again until the impact the pandemic has had on the hospitality trade can be assessed.

Councillor Brian Jones, chairman of the general licensing committee, said: “Following our earlier decision to extend the review to this April, a national lockdown was announced in December which means it has been impossible for any meaningful consultation to take place.

“It’s also clear that once restrictions are lifted, the hospitality trade could be very different to pre-pandemic conditions so, following government guidance, we’ve agreed our existing policy remain in force until we can have a proper consultation with key stakeholders.”

He added: “Once restrictions are lifted, there will be a greater understanding of what the industry will look like and a revised policy can then be developed to reflect any changes.”

The council is required to review its policy every five years. Current policies and procedures will remain in place in the meantime.

Comments on whether the consultation should be extended should be made by April 6 by visiting the council's website.