PLANS to ensure events held at a popular open space are subject to tougher restrictions have been announced by Bournemouth council.

It is considering applying for a premise licence for Fisherman's Walk in Southbourne in a bid to minimise disruption for residents.

Past events at the site have included the Shake and Stir Festival and the Friends of Fisherman's Walk Easter event.

At present, organisers have to apply for TEN (Temporary Event Notices) which do not hold any conditions on them.

The proposal is now out to public consultation and would hold five conditions.

There would be a maximum of 10 event days with performances per year, a maximum of five event days with alcohol, noise monitoring and the provision of safety paperwork.

Organisers would also be required to distribute letters to residents before any events, to include a contact telephone number for complaints on the day.

The consultation will run until February 28 and documents are now available for viewing.

The documents say: "The proposal is to license the area for regulated entertainment and alcohol for a maximum number of events each year.

"Having a premise licence in place will allow for greater control in the use of Fisherman's Walk for an event. It will enable organisers to have a clear understanding of the conditions that need to be met and allow for a tighter enforcement if conditions are breached."

Mandy Payne, Director of Shake and Stir, welcomed the proposal and said it will give a larger area for those who wish to drink alcohol at the event.

She said there has been the "odd one complaint" but stressed that live music ends at 6pm.

"Until now the bar area has been fenced in - this will give a more free area. We would have more security guards to monitor things such as under-age drinking but it will mean people can have a picnic with their children and drink a glass of wine without having to be penned in to a small area."

The proposals can be viewed at bournemouth.gov.uk/fishermanswalkconsultation and there will be a drop-in event at Southbourne library on Thursday February 8 from 5pm until 7pm.