Have your say on licensing policies

A public consultation has started on policies which restrict new bars and clubs opening in parts of Liverpool. Special Cumulative Impact Policies (SCIP's) were introduced 5 years ago in the Allerton Road, Lark Lane, Ropewalks and Cavern Quarter areas and are currently being reviewed by the Licensing Authority.  SCIPs are established when there is concern that the cumulative impact of the number, type and density of licensed premises is having a negative effect on public safety, crime, disorder, public nuisance or children's' safety in an area.  They limit new premises from opening and also prevent existing bars and clubs from varying licenses in ways that would worsen any problems in an area.

Councillor Christine Banks, chair of the licensing committee said:- "These policies were introduced some years ago and we need to review them from time to time to make sure they are still appropriate.  We want to know what people with an interest in these areas think. Should we keep these SCIPs as they are? Should they be amended in any way or should we abolish them? We have asked businesses and other groups in the areas what they think, but we want to hear from as many members of the public what their views are."

If you want to have your say a questionnaire is available online.

Following the consultation a report on the responses will be made to the Licensing and Gambling Committee who will make a recommendation to the full Council.

Can you spare time to Help our Heroes?

HELP for Heroes has issued an appeal to local supporters to spare an hour or 2 next month to collect donations or sell merchandise. March 2016 will see Debenhams kick start its third annual fundraising campaign for the military charity.

A key part of that is a National Collection Weekend, over 12 March to 13 March 2016, during which volunteers are needed to collect donations from customers, sell the Charity's official merchandise and look after Hero Bear during his personal appearance at the department store.  He will be at participating stores persuading shoppers to dig deep and contribute to the cost of supporting wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women, veterans and their families during their road to recovery.  In addition, Debenhams will also be donating, to Help for Heroes, the profits from its own, specially designed men's T-shirt range. The products will be sold online as well as instore, priced £20.  And staff will also do their bit by organising lots of fundraising activities throughout March 2016.

To date, Debenhams partnership with Help for Heroes has resulted in a total donation of over £700,000.  Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder of Help for Heroes, has appealed to both volunteers and members of the public to help make Debenhams' National Collection Weekend a success.  "Help for Heroes is hugely grateful to Debenhams for the amazing support that it has given us. We rely heavily on our wonderful volunteers and, on this exciting collection weekend, they'll be giving up their time to do their bit at your local Debenhams store. We'd love for as many people as possible to support them while they're out doing their shopping. Servicemen and women who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives. They are still battling and we won't let them battle alone." said Bryn Parry

If you can spare some time over the weekend of  12 March to 13 March 2016, to help at your local Debenhams, please contact Help for Heroes on:- 01980 846459 or go online to register your interest.  If you would like to donate, but can't get along to Debenhams, please visit the Help for Heroes website.