Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 28, 2025

Purpose: To seek approval on the revised Licensing Policy which is a statutory requirement and requires updating every 5 years in accordance with statute.

Content:  The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought to inform of the outcome of the public consultation exercise on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031. The report also sought approval of the policy, prior to its submission to Full Council for adoption.   The Cabinet Member Climate Change and Environment delivered a brief summary of the report’s key points.   The Head of Public Protection was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officers informed that the Council had to determine and publish a Statement of Licensing Policy every five years, in order to meet its statutory obligations. The existing Statement of Licensing Policy was effective from 31 January 2021. The determination and publishing of the new policy was required to be undertaken by January 2026.   The purpose of the policy statement was to define how the Council’s responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003 were going to be exercised and administered. The Licensing Act 2003 established a single integrated system for licensing premises that are used for alcohol, provide regulated entertainment and offer late night refreshments. Under this legislation, each local authority is known as the ‘Licensing Authority’ and is responsible for licensing alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment in its geographical area.   Resolved: 1.     That the responses of the consultation process be noted; 2.     That the proposed changes to the existing Statement of Licensing Policy be agreed; 3.     That the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031 be recommended to Full Council for adoption.   Reason for decision: Councils have a statutory duty to prepare and publish a statement of principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Licensing Act 2003. This is valid for a five-year period and therefore the Council is required to review its policy statement every five years to meet its statutory requirements and adopt and publish a statement of Licensing Policy. The existing Statement of Licensing Policy was effective from 31 January 2021.   Alternatives considered and rejected: None; it is a statutory duty for the Council to determine and publish its statement of Licensing Policy and there is no alternative option to this.