Residents and business owners are being asked for their opinion on how licences should be managed.

Carlisle City Council is involving everyone in the area, bringing other authorities such as police and existing licence holders on-board for a consultation process.

The exercise is set to run until October 22, with the council hoping to retain the existing policy with the necessary changes made.

The draft licensing policy is available on the city council website, at www.carlisle.gov.uk/consultations.

Councillor Jo Ellis-Williams, chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: “We take our responsibility as the licensing authority in Carlisle very seriously.

“It is extremely important we get the policy right for the businesses and residents in the area and work in partnership with the police and fire service along with the other responsible authorities.”

Coun Ellis-Williams added: “We want people to give us their views and comments on the draft policy we have prepared as this is a policy which affects the whole community.”

Carlisle City Council introduced the Licensing Act 2003 in 2005, introducing significant changes to how premises were licensed.

Areas affected included the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment.

As the new Act was implemented full responsibility for the licensing of premises was transferred from the Magistrates to the City Council.

The council must review its Statement of Licensing Policy every five years and the new policy will be implemented by January 2021 in order to comply with the legislative timetable.

Copies of the draft policy are available at www.carlisle.gov.uk/consultations.

To receive a hard copy, email licensing@carlisle.gov.uk or send a request in writing to the licensing team at the Civic Centre.

Responses to the draft policy can be submitted by completing the response form and emailing licensing@carlisle.gov.uk, or send a letter to Licensing Manager, Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre, Rickergate, Carlisle, CA3 8QG.