People across Bradford are being urged to have their say about a proposed shake-up of the district's licensing laws.

Bradford Council is set to take over the licensing of all food, drink and other entertainment from February next year as part of a Government scheme.

But licensee David Haigh, who runs Haigy's pub, in Lumb Lane, Manningham, fears it could have a detrimental affect on the trade.

The new regulations mean owners of entertainment premises will be able to apply to the Council for all types of licences.

Now if someone wants to hold an event serving alcohol and food they have to apply separately to Magistrates for a liquor licence, and to the Council for an entertainment licence. A series of public meetings is to be held to consult traders and business people about the scheme.

But angry Mr Haigh, whose pub is popular with Bradford City fans, said he would be going to the meetings to air his views opposing it.

He said under the new scheme he would need three separate licences which would initially set him back about £1,000.

"It's just bureaucracy and it's just a way for the Council and the Government to make money, it's of no real benefit for us," he said.

"It will all go ahead anyway but I will let them know it's going to damage the trade."

Under the new system a landlord will need a £200 personal licence, which will run for ten years, and a premises licence which will last as long as the business is running.

"If I'm not on the premises though I will have to have someone else here with a personal licence and this is where the complications and extra costs come in," he said.

"It will also mean more swing-door licensees, where a licensees is just running the pub for a few years which is already happening in the city centre.

"We are losing community pubs where the regulars know the landlord well."

The new rules would also give pubs, clubs and other entertainment premises more flexibility about the hours they can open but owners will also have to take more responsibility for what happens on the premises.

The aim is to consider public safety and to help crack down on crime and public disorder.

The special neighbourhood forums will be held at Shipley Library, Well Croft, on Tuesday, September 21, 7pm; City Hall banqueting suite, Bradford, on Wednesday, September 22, 7pm and at Keighley and District Disabled People's Council, Temple Row, on Thursday, September 23, 7pm.

Copies of the policy can be found in public libraries or on the Council's website at www.bradford.gov.uk/ council/licensing.