Manchester’s off-licence trade, along with the City Council, are to set up a licensing forum to tackle crime and anti social behaviour in our communities.
The A-5 licensing forum will cover Ancoats, Miles Platting, Clayton, Newton Heath and Collyhurst South.
Licensed shopkeepers who have already signed up to the forum have all agreed that they have a great role to play alongside other agencies in tackling problems within their areas, they recognise that it’s a new deal for them as well as residents.
It is hoped that all members of the forum will adopt in store policies to include:
No I.D. - No sale,
Think safe - Drink safe, and send all staff on training courses such as the B11AB Level 1 course for “Responsible Alcohol Retailing”.
Most members have already taken this course and have found it to be invaluable; the forum would also help identify rogue traders or irresponsible retailers.
Mistakes happen and the forum would support retailers who are acting with due diligence but would not seek to defend retailers who constantly break the law. It will become obvious who these traders are as they won’t want to take part in the forum.
We would hope that the forum will bridge the gap between local community groups and shopkeepers, the forum will have a dual purpose but will try and balance its role fairly, not making judgement but looking for a fair compromise where one can be reached. Members will be made aware that they have a duty that comes with their licence, and they must promote best practise and meet the licensing objectives.
Licensing objectives
+ Prevention of crime and disorder
+ Prevention of public nuisance
+ Public safety
+ Protection of children from harm
The forum will work to educate and support members who promote best practise in this way forum members will be aiming for a high standard in tackling problems in a positive way.
Shopkeepers support their communities and hope to promote a safer environment by their actions.
Carmine Grimshaw
Funny ain’t it, maybe not.
Is it I, I’ve lost the plot,
another pint from a pint pot,
I scream and shout
I curse and yell
and damn you all
to a life in hell.
And all of this because I drink, then drink some more,
Then fall asleep in some shop door.
The doorway stinking and all from me, yet awake I can’t see,
What the drink has done for me.
So I sleep more, then I forget
the things in life that I regret.
Awake again.
Another day.
Another drink helps me on my way.
How did it happen to be this way,
A crazy, hazy, drunken day.
I’m lost in drink
Soon I’ll be gone
It’s a wasted life, is a drunken one.
© Mr Carmine Grimshaw
