The Cheltenham Borough Council Full Licensing Committee met on 3 September 2025, to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy and the Street Scenes Activities Policy. The committee also received a briefing note on several licensing-related issues, including the government's response to the Licensing Taskforce report, new regulations for primate licensing, the regulation of cosmetic treatments, the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, and the licensing of support housing.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee reviewed the proposed changes to the revised Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP), which the council is required to review and publish every five years, as mandated by the Licensing Act 2003¹. The current policy statement was adopted in December 2020. The draft amended policy reflects changes in primary legislation, case law, and national guidance. It sets out the principles the council will apply when determining applications under the 2003 Act for the next five years, and provides guidance to licence holders and applicants. Key aspects of the policy statement include:

• Licensing Objectives: The council is obligated to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
• Night-Time Economy: The policy statement forms part of a wider night-time economy strategy to promote a greater diversity in the night time economy that is less focused on alcohol.
• Proactive Approach: The policy statement sets a proactive approach to the regulation of the licensable activities whereby the council is more proactive and prescriptive in shaping the licensing landscape in the town.
• Consultation: A six-week consultation is being held, closing on 7 September 2025.

Street Scenes Activities Policy

The committee also considered the policy proposals for the review of the Street Scene Activities Policy. This included a proposed new Pavement Licensing policy and revisions to the adopted Street Scene policy.

Following the introduction of the Business and Planning Act 2020, there is now separate legislation that governs the licensing of tables, chairs and other types of furniture that will assist premises with the sale of food and/or drink. Businesses can apply to the authority for a Pavement Licence.

Key proposals under consideration:

• Fees: Setting licensing fees at £500 for first-time applications and £350 for renewals.
• Duration: Setting the maximum licence duration at two years.
• Application Consultation: Consulting with standing partners, as outlined in the policy.
• Site Assessment: Considering factors when determining whether an application should be granted or refused, as outlined in paragraph 3.5 of the policy.
• Conditions: Standard Pavement Licence Conditions, including a new standard requirement for pavement licence holders to comply with a request by the authority to remove objects where there will be a clash with an established market on the same location.

Briefing Note

The committee received a briefing note on a range of licensing related issues of significance:

• Licensing Taskforce Report and Government Response: The government supports the creation of a National Licensing Policy Framework to improve consistency and transparency across local authorities.
• Primate Licensing: New regulations and statutory guidance have been issued by the Government for new licensing requirements relating to primates kept in captivity or as pets. Compliance with the licensing requirements will be fully implemented in April 2026.
• Regulation of Cosmetic Treatments: The Government recently announced that it will be implementing a licensing regime for cosmetic treatments.
• Tobacco & Vapes Bill: This Bill includes provisions for introducing a new regime for licensing of retail sales and the registration of retailers . The new Act will place a new licensing duty on local licensing authorities to administer and enforce the licensing of retail sales of tobacco, vapes and other products.
• Licensing of Support Housing: The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 introduces new licensing requirements for supported housing providers in England, aiming to improve standards and protect vulnerable residents.