The final round of consultation is underway for Aberdeen’s Licensing Board Policy.
City centre business organisation, Aberdeen Inspired, is encouraging businesses to make their voice heard by submitting their views on licensing board draft policy to the Aberdeen Licensing board by the October 31, 2018.
The draft has many proposed changes including a later terminal hour for licensed city centre premises, an extension of trading hours, and the agent of change principle is acknowledged.
Nicola Johnston, Aberdeen Inspired’s evening and night time economy manager, has been active in the consultation process, encouraging businesses to response and representing the trade by providing evidence to the board.
‘Aberdeen Inspired requested that the board consider longer trading and later terminal hours, to allow the trade to respond to social trends of people going out later.
In a modern thriving late-night economy diversity is paramount, we are pleased that the board has recognised significant entertainment stifled the innovation of businesses and are now reviewing applications on a case by case bases.
The inclusion of the Agent of Change principle to the policy will protect the trade as our city grows and develops, this is a fantastic step forward by the board to recognise the cultural benefits and value the sector provides to our city.
‘We have received mixed feedback from levy payers on the draft policy therefore urge businesses to respond to this consultation as it will be the final opportunity to have your voice heard prior to the policy coming into effect in November 2018.’
Adrian Watson, CEO of Aberdeen Inspired comments, ‘Aberdeen Inspired actively promote Alive after Five projects within the city centre. Earlier this year we launched the Inspired Nights Conference, first event of its kind in the country, which highlighted industry trends and provided a platform for business voices from the night time economy, with an aim to positively influence policy for our members. We will continue to lobby on behalf of the industry.’
Aberdeen Inspired also lead on the cities Purple Flag accreditation and recently received national recognition for their commitment to promoting a safe and vibrant night time economy, for the fifth consecutive year.
The licensing board policy will be in effect as of November 2018 and can assist in strengthening the growth of the hospitality and leisure sector. It is vitally important that this policy supports and protects the industry.