LATE night eateries will have to secure a license before dishing up hot food to hungry revellers as part of a major shake-up of licensing laws.

Changes are afoot for licensed premises in a move expected to give local residents and businesses more say in decisions.

Under new rules, premises serving hot food between 11pm and 5am will now need to be licensed.

Establishments putting on 'regulated entertainment' such as a play, film or live music to make a profit, will also require a licence.

Until now, magistrates have been in charge of licensing premises selling alcohol.

But Lancaster City Council is about to take over responsibility for licensing pubs, off licences, social clubs, restaurants and premises serving food into the early hours.

In readiness, the council has consulted police, fire authority, licence holders, businesses and residents along with providers of late night eateries, local theatres and cinemas.

It says each application will be considered on its merits, taking into account issues such as littering, fouling, noise and street crime.

It is accepted that longer licensing hours can help ease disorder and other late night problems at food premises, taxi ranks, private hire offices and other transport sources.

The council also recognises that live music, dancing and theatre should be encouraged for the cultural benefit of communities.

Its draft policy can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk or from the licensing department at Lancaster town hall.

Or, for further information call licensing manager David Collinson on 01524-582021.