Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 requires each Licensing Authority to prepare and publish a statement of licensing policy with respect to the exercise of its licensing functions under the Act. Such a policy is valid for three years and is subject to consultation and review.
The purpose of this document is to set out the licensing policies and arrangements the Licensing Authority will normally apply and consider in exercise of its licensing functions under the Act; particularly when making decisions on relevant licence applications.
In this context, this document serves to provide guidance and advice to all parties with an interest in licensing issues under the Act. In particular, this document provides an overview of the procedures to be followed in making an application for the main authorisations permitted by the Act; detailing a range of issues that should be considered as part of an application.
The Act sets out procedures for regulating the way that the local authority carries out its licensing functions. The Council’s Licensing Policy Statement (.pdf, 1,250KB) first implemented in January 2005 has been reviewed in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. As part of the review process many organisations and individuals with an interest in the licensing of premises were consulted. The experience gained since the Act came into force and the views of the people consulted were taken into account before the revised policy was completed.
