The LGA has called for public health to be added to the factors councils consider when granting licences for bars, clubs and other premises, in a bid to reduce the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions.

Councils currently consider four issues - public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm, and the prevention of crime and disorder.

The LGA has also called for the possible spread of infectious diseases to be added to the list under public health, as part of an overhaul of the Licensing Act.

Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “Councils want to support businesses and enable them to be successful, but they also have a duty to protect their communities from infection and ill-health. Being able to consider the public health impact of new licensed premises would allow them to take a more balanced view in line with their other priorities such as creating vibrant and safe town centres and protecting people from harm.”