I FEEL there is a need for a response to last week's Citizen article regarding new licensing laws from a landlord's point of view.

It is a commonly known fact that running licensed premises is one of the most stressful occupations. The new laws are, on the face of it, an excellent step forward.

However, the national press has suggested that this is not the case and some councils have made it seem the press is actually correct.

Therefore it is not a surprise that the trade is cautious in its application for new licenses - so maybe Lancaster City Council could assure people in the trade that it will not place conditions on applications which only increase the licencees' problems.

The Act is being interpreted in many different ways, let us hope that everyone can work together to make the transition as smooth and stress free as possible.

David O'Hara, secretary, Lancaster and Morecambe Licensed Victuallers Association.