A COMMUNITY has been invited to comment on a council's draft policy governing the way licences are issued.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, responsibility for issuing licences will transfer from the magistrates' courts to Chester-le-Street District Council, among others, from February.

The act will change the licence application system for those wishing to sell alcohol.

It will also pave the way for a more flexible system of licensing for public entertainments and the sale of hot food at takeaways and mobile food vehicles.

Establishments including pubs, nightclubs, off-licences, takeaways, restaurants and some non-profit making clubs and leisure and community centres will be affected.

District council licensing committee chairman Councillor Colin Carr said: "We hope that many people will use this consultation to have their say on how licensing will operate within Chester-le-Street."

Two meetings have been arranged for members of the public and business people to discuss the policy with council officers and members of the authority's licensing committee.

They will be held at the Civic Centre between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday, October 27, and Chester-le-Street Community Association, in Newcastle Road, between 2pm and 4pm on Friday, November 5.

Copies of the draft are available from the civic centre reception or the authority's website: www.chester-le-street.gov.uk