I have been suffering nuisance from a pub near my home. What can I do about it?

You may have heard about the new Licencing Act, which the Government says will give greater powers to residents who want to get something done about problem pubs.

From the 24th November 2005, people living near troublesome pubs can ask for their licenses to be reviewed by the local authority. They will be able to do this at any time, so long as they can prove that the pub is causing a nuisance. This replaces the previous system of licencing, in which it was only possible to carry out such reviews once every three years or so, and licensing magistrates had little scope to take action.

The Licencing Act abolishes the old licencing hours (mostly) 11am to 11pm in England and Wales and publicans can apply for a license to open as long as they like - even 24 hours a day (although this is quite rare).

In the initial stages of the the Act coming into force, some residents have found that technicalities in the law have prevented them from having their objections heard. However, it seems to be agreed that if you want to object to what is  going on at your local, then you need plenty of evidence . If there is a noise nuisance, contact the Environmental Health department of the local authority and they will tell you what to do to make a formal complaint. If drinkers from the pub are causing damage to your property, call the police - and make sure you keep details of any crime number. Most importantly of all, keep a detailed diary of any problems you experience.

The guidance to the Act advises local authorities to provide information for local residents who want to complain about licensed premises, so ask them for help.

Produced by Citizens Advice and Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux.