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STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY  PDF 457 KB
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Statement of Licensing Policy
2026–2031
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Executive
Summary
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This report presents the revised Statement of
Licensing Policy 2026–2031 for consideration and
recommendation to Full Council. The policy has been updated to
reflect the Licensing Act 2003, current statutory guidance,
consultation feedback, operational learning and relevant
legislative developments since the current policy was adopted in
2021.
The revised policy provides a clearer, more
accessible and legally robust framework for applicants, responsible
authorities, residents, Members and officers. It strengthens
decision-making by confirming that licensing functions must be
exercised by reference to the four statutory licensing objectives
and that any conditions or regulatory action must be necessary,
proportionate and evidence-based.
The Committee is asked to consider the revised
policy, note the consultation undertaken and amendments made, and
recommend the policy to Full Council for adoption.
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Options
considered
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The principal option is to recommend adoption
of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2026–2031,
subject to any final minor amendments required for accuracy,
formatting, accessibility or legal consistency.
The alternative option is not to recommend
adoption at this stage. This is not recommended, as the Council has
a statutory duty to keep its Statement of Licensing Policy under
review every 5 years and the current policy must be replaced to
ensure continued compliance and legal defensibility.
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Consultation(s)
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A statutory consultation exercise has been
undertaken in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. Consultees
included responsible authorities, licence holders, businesses,
residents and other relevant stakeholders.
Consultation responses have been reviewed, and
amendments have been incorporated into the revised draft where
appropriate.
A summary of consultation responses and the
Council’s consideration is included at Appendix B.
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Recommendations
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That the Committee considers the revised
Statement of Licensing Policy 2026–2031 and supporting
appendices; notes the consultation undertaken and amendments made
in response to feedback; recommends the revised Statement of
Licensing Policy 2026–2031 to Full Council for adoption; and
delegates authority to the Assistant Director of Environment and
Leisure, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Chair of the
Licensing Committee, to make any final minor amendments required
for accuracy, formatting, accessibility or legal consistency before
publication.
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Reasons for
recommendations
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To ensure that the Council continues to meet
its statutory duty under section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 to
prepare, publish and keep under review its Statement of Licensing
Policy.
The recommendation will also ensure the policy
remains aligned with current statutory guidance, supports
consistent and evidence-based decision-making, and provides a
clearer and more accessible framework for applicants, residents,
responsible authorities, Members and officers.
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Background
papers
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Licensing Act 2003; statutory guidance issued
under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003; current Statement of
Licensing Policy 2021–2026; draft Statement of Licensing
Policy 2026–2031; consultation responses and summary of key
changes.
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Wards
affected
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All wards
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Cabinet member(s)
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Councillor Callum
Ringer
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Contact Officer
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Environmental & Leisure
Business Support Manager
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Additional documents:
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