The old PEL didn't require the councils to take any notice of local people's views on what should and shouldn't be allowed in their nearby pubs/clubs - the new license does.

If these people do not go into these pubs - why should they have a say in what others chose to do inside?

If the effect of pubs and clubs upon these local people was on them in their homes (like noise) it is a different matter. What you say is incorrect - for local people have always had the opportunity to object to this effect. And especially so when public notice PELs or their renewal had to be displayed on the premises and in the local press.