Look around you Al, and be proud of York

If Mr Fox had contacted either myself or my licensing officers regarding new licensed premises, he would have found that far from being out of touch the North Yorkshire Police and the local authority are at the forefront of licensing strategy both locally and nationally.

My remit - given to me by the community itself - is to ensure that York remains a safe environment for everyone.

My consideration for new licensed premises is measured on the amount of alcohol-related incidents in respect of a particular area.

Similarly, applications for new licensed outlets will be rigorously examined.

There should be something for everyone in York and an enjoyable pint, glass of wine or cup of coffee should not become a "hairy" experience for other individuals.

As the Police Commander for the area where 40 per cent of arrests are for alcohol related offences, we cannot and will not sit back and look on.

I would infinitely prefer to wake up and smell the coffee and not some of the other aromas which taint some areas of York.

On December 2, applications for ten new licensed premises are to be heard at the Magistrates Court in Clifford Street.

Boring? Old fashioned? Down-at heel?

I think not, but Mr Fox seems to believe the city has not moved from the 1970s.

I do not support his view. Last week, I received a letter from a man in Salisbury who wrote to say he was impressed and envious of the licensing initiatives in York. It seems he has visited other cities and towns and knows the difference.

No, Mr Fox, please be proud of York and the people who live and trade in it, even the ones whose duty it is to ensure that change benefits and adds to our quality of life, not damages it.

Stand back, ask and look, you have much to be proud of.

Jim Kilmartin,

Superintendent,

Divisional Commander,

North Yorkshire Police,

Divisional Headquarters,

Fulford Road,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.