A group of local councils tasked with monitoring the impact of the Licensing Act has informed the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) of the beneficial impact on residents, police and local councils.

The 10 scrutiny councils, which began observing the effects of the Act last November when the new laws came into force, were asked to identify good practice, capture licensing statistics and make practical recommendations on how guidance to local authorities and police could be improved.

They found that residents are now far more aware of their rights with regard to licensed premises and licensees are more aware of their responsibilities.

In addition, the police, fire service and other responsible authorities are making representations in a way which benefits licensed premises and the police are also increasingly using the enforcement powers given under the Act to deal with problem premises.

For example, police in Cardiff had applied for revocation of the licence of a bar with a history of problems including violence inside and outside the premises and bouncers assaulting customers. The prospect of applying for a licence under the new Act encouraged the licensee to work with the police to improve the premises.

Measures included new seating and a reduced capacity, extra CCTV and changes to the queuing system, an over 21 admissions policy and a change in music policy as well as a bottle ban from 7pm and changes to management and door staff. As a result, the premises were turned around and the application to convert was successful.

The councils have also made a number of recommendations for improvements. These include changing the current advertising arrangements and increasing the amount of time during which police can object to a temporary event.

Licensing minister Shaun Woodward said: “This report is encouraging. It shows that residents are engaging in the licensing process – and their concerns are being taken seriously.

“The application process has weeded out rogue premises and made problem venues smarten up their act in order to get a new licence. It has made licensees take their responsibilities far more seriously.

“We will be taking the councils’ recommendations on board as we re-draft the guidance for the police and local authorities.” Details: www.culture.gov.uk