The government's proposed reforms to the Licensing Act represent a worrying increase in Licensing Authorities' powers to regulate and shut down licensed premises.

Far from ‘empowering communities’ – as claimed - these proposed changes would increase the power of local councils and the police, who will be removed from necessary checks and balances.

The Manifesto Club's response to the consultation illustrates the problems with these proposals, for civic life and civil liberties.

• Read our full response here.

We urge you to send in your objections to these proposals before the closing date of 8 September, to Alcohol.consultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. Or even send them after - the consultation ran for a paltry six weeks over August, so a public extension could be in order.

This is part of our Campaign Against Booze Bans