Council calls for ‘health’ powers to limit alcohol licences

Hartlepool Borough Council is advocating for greater authority to regulate the number of shops and bars licensed to sell alcohol, citing public health concerns. Councillor Gary Allen highlighted that the proliferation of licensed premises poses a “public health issue,” particularly regarding alcohol misuse. Craig Blundred, the council’s director of public health, emphasized the need to consider health impacts when granting alcohol licenses, similar to the approach taken for new takeaways.

The council is actively lobbying the government to address the health challenges associated with alcohol, including addiction and increased mortality rates. While they continue to campaign for legislative changes, the council is working within existing licensing objectives to mitigate these issues. This initiative aligns with their broader local health and wellbeing strategy.