The inadequacy of the Labour Government’s new licensing laws has been avidly illustrated by the granting of an alcohol/entertainment licence to Michel Harper’s controversial eight storey casino (Surrey Advertiser, 10 February).

Thanks to Surrey Police’s questionable decision not to object to the latest application, it was automatically granted and no elected representative was given the opportunity to scrutinise, amend or reject the licence. With the exception of residents in the immediate vicinity, no citizen in the Borough was allowed to even comment on the proposal.

Given Bridge Street has faced soaring levels of violent crime in recent years, I do not believe granting this licence for such a large venue is in the public interest. Just as the planning application was decided on appeal over the heads of councillors and local people, so now the casino has been given a licence by the back door. This was the first big test of the new Licensing Act – and it has singularly failed Guildford’s residents.

Cllr Sheridan Westlake