Council appoints Licensing Standards Officer for the North Highlands

The Highland Council has appointed David Inglis as the Licensing Standards Officer for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross areas.

A former police officer, David has spent 17 years in Caithness and Sutherland.  Before joining the police he worked in pubs, hotels and licensed grocers in Inverness and following retiring from Northern Constabulary, he worked as a barman in a west coast hotel for two years.  

Based within the Chief Executive’s Office in Wick, David is encouraging new licence applicants to contact him for advice or for help in completing application forms and operating plans. He is willing to travel and address any formal or informal groups on any aspect of licensing and, particularly, towards achievement of the act’s objectives.

Licensing Standards Officers have a specific remit under the legislation which includes:

• advising and assisting Licence holders and prospective Licence holders on the new legislation and on Highland Licensing Board policy;

• supervising compliance with the condition on which licences are granted and ensuring premises are being run in accordance with operating plans submitted to the Board for approval;

• providing a mediation service where disputes have arisen between the Licence holder or any other person(s); and

• issuing notices to Licence holders requiring any breach of condition to be remedied.

Licensing Standards Officers can also apply to the Licensing Board for a review of any Licence where there has been a failure to comply with a notice; and they are afforded powers to enter and inspect premises to ensure compliance with legislation and Board policy.

David’s experience gives him an awareness of problems facing licensed trade in rural areas, the importance of encouraging tourism, and public concerns about alcohol related health matters and anti-social behaviour.

David said:  “The new Licensing Act is based on principles which are aimed at protecting and promoting public safety, improving health and protecting children from harm. I see my role as ensuring the legislation delivers a social environment which is welcoming and safe for all.  To do this I will be working with license holders and communities to ensure that any issues are resolved as soon as possible.”

David can be contacted on 01955 607774 or by e-mailing david.inglis@highland.gov.uk