BOLTON Council is taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness about licensing.

National Licensing Week has been running this week to promote the work that local authorities do to enforce the law and ensure businesses and events are safe for the public.

In 2018, Bolton Council’s licensing team received 1,157 new applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and 152 under the Gambling Act 2005.

The council also investigated 425 complaints from the public.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Regulatory Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, explained how important licensing is.

She said: “Licensing is one of those valuable public services that we all rely on but don’t always notice.

“Whether booking a private hire journey or attending a community event, all of it is made possible thanks to the hard work of the council’s licensing teams.

“The vast majority of businesses in Bolton work closely with the council to ensure they comply with the law and give their customers the best and safest service possible.

“The small minority that choose to flout the law should be aware that we have robust measures in place to protect the public and hold those responsible to account.”

The Licensing Act covers a wide range of businesses including pubs and clubs, takeaways and taxis. Licensing is also responsible for making sure public events run safely and smoothly, covering everything from school fairs to the recent Rod Stewart concert at the University of Bolton Stadium.