SIR: I refer to the article by Gayle Evans, headed "Spanish aye for new restaurant" as reported in the Bolton Evening News on Saturday, May 24. In the penultimate paragraph, Mr Neil Gatt is reported to have said 'the magistrates had no choice but to grant the application because of the approval of J D Weatherspoons".

I am authorised on behalf of the Bolton Licensing Justices to completely rebut that statement. The Licensing Committee considered Mr Gatt's application very carefully on its own merits and at no time felt under an obligation to reach the decision they finally came to. The Committee is aware of certain comments that have been made in relation to applications previously made before it and, whilst not wishing to stand in the way of progress, will undertake its responsibility given to it by Parliament in considering applications.

The Licensing Justices have a policy in which it is stressed that each application will be considered on its individual merits, taking particular account of the suitability of the applicant, the structural suitability and location of the premises and the public need for a licence.

The Committee has indicated that it will continue to exercise its discretion as the law allows and in the interests of the general public. The Chairman of the Licensing Committee has however indicated that he and his colleagues find comments such as that made by Mr Neil Gatt particularly unhelpful.

P Dawson

Clerk to the Licensing Justices

Magistrates' Clerk's Office

PO Box 24, The Courts

Civic Centre, Bolton

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