PEMBROKESHIRE'S first-ever licensing trade show could well become an annual fixture.

The event was organised by the county council ahead of the new licensing laws, which come into effect throughout the country early next year.

The local authority used the occasion to launch its draft licensing policy, which sets out the way the council will be approaching its decision-making on licensing applications when the new system begins in February.

The Licensing Act 2003 makes the county council responsible for a single licensing system, which brings together existing controls under liquor, cinema, theatre, public entertainment and late night refreshment.

Said the chairman of the council's licensing committee, Councillor Don Evans: "We are now in a period of consultation, which will end on November 15th.

"This policy has to be in place a month before February 7th, when applications from existing licensees for transfers can be made."

Gareth Watts, principal officer in the council's commercial pollution and licensing team, said the trade show at the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre at Withybush, Haverfordwest, provided the perfect opportunity for those in the industry to meet the relevant people and organisations who could offer advice and assistance.