Licensing is an open book on Council’s new website

Website opens licensing applications to the public
Website opens licensing applications to the public

THE GENERAL PUBLIC in Moray can for the first time easily track licensing applications received by the local council thanks to improvements in the Council’s website.

Moray Council’s new public access portal was launched this week – and among the new facilities available to the public is an effective ‘public register’ containing details of all business licenses granted in the region.

Details include current information on applications that have been submitted to the licensing department for consideration, allowing the general public more easily accessible information than ever before.

Margaret Forrest, who is Legal Services Manager for the council’s litigation and licensing section, said: “By putting online details of all of our current licence applications, our business owners and residents can view information about every application that we receive at any time.

“For businesses, 24/7 access is imperative and expected, as they won’t always be able to contact us during working hours to see how their application is progressing – just a few clicks and they can check for themselves at a time that suits.

“Meanwhile, interested people can track developments of licence applications and receive automatic reminders throughout – meaning they won’t miss any important dates if they want to comment as part of the process.”

A search of all applications can now be made by type, activity, ward or the applicant or trading name. Those who register with an account will be able to track licence developments – and they will then be alerted when the status of an application is changed.

Registered users will also be able to add comments and make a representation or objection to a licence application.

For further information on the new system, including how to register, visit the Moray Council Website.