A MAJOR consultation has been launched on whether there are too many pubs, clubs and off- licences in Renfrewshire.

Licensing chiefs are particularly keen to find out the public's views on a number of areas in Paisley and Renfrew, and they have pledged that the views expressed will help inform future licensing policy.

The licensing board's present policy is that an area of Paisley town centre already has too many premises selling booze.

Board chairman Alex Murrin said: "We want to give everyone with an interest in licensing issues the opportunity to make their views known during the consultation.That includes residents, community groups, customers, trade and business organisations, owners of licensed premises and other public organisations such as the police, health and fire services as well as the local licensing forum and groups representing young people.

"Our consultation questionnaire, which is also available online, has a comments section where people have the chance to give a bit more detail on their thoughts on over- provision in addition to the short questionnaire."

The first question relates to the availability of alcohol with people asked if they think there are too many, not enough, or just the right number of premises selling alcohol.

The second question asks people if they think there is over-provision of licensed premises, and if so where, and what types of premises, for example pubs and clubs and off-licences or both.

The consultation runs until January 16 and can be completed online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

The public consultation document sets out the geographical areas which have been suggested as areas where there may be an overprovision of such premises, whether in relation to on sales or off sales premises.

Responses to the questionnaire contained within the public consultation document can be submitted using the online survey or by completing a hard copy of the questionnaire and emailing to licensing.cs@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or by letter to the Customer Service Centre in Renfrewshire House, Paisley.

Paper copies of the consultation document and questionnaire may also be viewed there, as well as at local libraries.