PEOPLE worried about binge drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods are taking advantage of new licensing laws to voice their concerns.

The new laws mean pubs and clubs can apply for an extension to their opening hours, but for the first time they also give residents the power to petition councils at any time to alter a bar's license conditions, or have it closed down altogether.

Bournemouth council revealed that 11 pubs, clubs and off-licences which have applied for variations to their licenses, and in some cases permission to sell booze 24 hours a day, have received complaints from residents prompting a series of planned hearings with the licensing sub-committee.

The council's senior licensing officer, Steven Wright, explained that the number of objections registered by residents to each application has varied from one or two to more than 37.

Chairman of the council's licensing board, Cllr Anson Westbrook, said: "I think the new laws are an excellent idea and help give power to the people.

"The public should be able to express their views, that's fundamental democracy.

"At any time residents can ask for a review of any license whether it's a club, pub or license.

"Members of the public have immense power, I don't think many people realise just how much power they have."

Coun Stephen MacLoughlin, who represents Bournemouth's Central ward, said he hoped the new laws would help residents confront some of the problems in the town centre, including drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

"The town centre is a balancing act between the interests of residents and the interests of bars and night clubs," he said.

"I hope the changes in the laws will go some way towards addressing the problems we have encountered over the years, including anti-social behaviour, noise and disruption.

"But I have some reservations and remain to be convinced that the changes in the laws will have the results the government is hoping for."

First published: August 10, 2005