On 10 July 2003 the Licensing Act received the Royal Assent. The Act establishes a new system for licensing and controlling the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of refreshment late at night. Responsibility for this new licensing regime will be under the control of local authorities.
Licensing Policy
The Act sets out procedures for regulating the way that the Council carries out its licensing functions. Every three years the Council must determine and publish a statement of its licensing policy. On 31 October 2007 the Council approved its policy after an extensive consultation process.
Licensing Objectives
The Act sets out four licensing objectives that the Council has a duty to promote in carrying out its licensing functions. These are:
- prevention of crime and disorder;
- public safety;
- prevention of public nuisance; and
- protection of children from harm.
The new licensing system is achieved by issuing authorisations through:-
- personal licences,
- premises licences,
- club premises certificates and
- temporary events notices.
