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Policy

Statement of Licensing policy

Licensing Act 2003

Last updated: 27 February 2020

The law requires us to publish a statement of licensing policy describing how we will carry out our licensing functions in relation to alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment.

The policy is written in accordance with licensing law and guidance issued by the Government and is reviewed at least every five years.

The policy helps officers and councillors to make decisions on particular applications by setting out the things that will normally be taken into account when deciding whether to grant an application and what conditions should be attached to any particular licence or certificate.

The policy also tries to make things clear to applicants and residents in order to help them to understand the objectives being promoted and the matters that will be considered when deciding whether to grant licences.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Wyre Forest District is situated in North West Worcestershire and comprises the three distinctive riverside towns of Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn as well as surrounding countryside. It covers an area of 75 square miles. In 2011, the population totalled 98,000 (2011 census).

1.2 Kidderminster is the main business and commercial centre in the district offering industrial, shopping, offices and leisure facilities. Kidderminster is famous for carpet manufacture and is still closely associated with the carpet industry; though since the 1970 the industry has been in decline leaving the town in a process of economic diversification. In more recent years the town centre underwent an extensive £60 million river and canal side redevelopment providing retail and leisure facilities. Kidderminster is also the terminus of the Severn Valley Railway. The national tourist attraction, West Midland Safari Park, likes between the towns of Kidderminster and Bewdley.

1.3 Stourport-on-Severn is a popular tourist town. It was uniquely created as a canal port in 1766, when the canal Navigation Act for Worcestershire received Royal Assent. The Georgian Market Town of Stourport has benefited from significant tourism and today continues to be a thriving market town and a successful visitor attraction.

1.4 Bewdley is a small riverside town built along the banks of the River Severn. It contains many fine Georgian buildings and has an award-winning museum. The town is a popular tourist destination with a number of businesses and licensed premised attracting visitors throughout the year. The town has a mix of retail businesses and also residential properties.

1.5 This Statement of Licensing Policy is intended to provide information and guidance to licence applicants, responsible authorities and interested parties on the general approach that the Council will take to licensing.

1.6 The Council’s aim is to facilitate well-run and managed premises with licence holders displaying sensitivity to the impact of the premises on local residents. The objective of the licensing process is for a unified system of regulation of licensable activities so that such activities are carried out in a way that ensures public safety, but is not detrimental to residents, and does not give rise to a loss of amenity.

1.7 The Licensing Authority has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to exercise its functions with due regard to the likely effect of those functions, and the need to do all it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment), the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances in its area.

2.0 Licensing Objectives and Aims

2.1 The Licensing Act 2003 provides a clear focus on the promotion of four key licensing objectives. As a licensing authority Wyre Forest District Council will always seek to carry out its licensing functions with a view to promoting these four objectives.

The licensing objectives are:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • The protection of children from harm


2.2 Each objective is of equal importance. There are no other statutory licensing objectives, so the promotion of the four objectives is the paramount consideration at all times.

2.3 However, the licensing authority recognises that the legislation also supports a number of other key aims and purposes. It is recognised that these are also vitally important and should be aims for everyone involved in licensing work.

They include:

  • Protecting the public and local residents from crime, anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance caused by irresponsible licensed premises;
  • Giving the police and licensing authorities the powers they need to effectively manage and police the night-time economy and take action against those premises that are causing problems;
  • Recognising the important role which pubs and other licensed premises play in our local communities by minimising the regulatory burden on business, encouraging innovation and supporting responsible premises;
  • Providing a regulatory framework for alcohol which reflects the needs of local communities and empowers local authorities to make and enforce decisions about the most appropriate licensing strategies for their local area; and
  • Encouraging greater community involvement in licensing decisions and giving local residents the opportunity to have their say regarding licensing decisions that may impact upon them.

3.0 Scope of the Licensing Authority’s Functions

3.1 As a licensing authority the Council is responsible for the authorisation of ‘licensable activities’. The licensable activities that are required to be authorised under the Act are as follows:

  • The sale by retail of alcohol,
  • The supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or to the order of, a member of the club,
  • The provision of regulated entertainment, and
  • The provision of late night refreshment


3.2 The licensing authority is responsible for four different types of authorisation or permission, as follows:

  • Premises licence – to use premises for licensable activities.
  • Club premises certificate – to allow a qualifying club to use premises for qualifying club activities.
  • Temporary event notice – to carry out licensable activities on a temporary basis for an event.
  • Personal licence – to allow a person to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol from premises in respect of which there is a premises licence.

4.0 Purpose of the Statement of Licensing Policy

4.1 This statement of policy has been prepared and updated in accordance with the latest amended provisions of the 2003 Act and the latest revised guidance issued under section 182 of the Act. The statement sets out the principles the licensing authority will generally apply to promote the licensing objectives when making decisions on applications made under the Act.

4.2 The main purpose of this policy is to provide clarity to applicants, responsible authorities and other persons on how the licensing authority will determine applications for the supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment and also to provide a basis for all licensing decisions taken by the licensing authority, it will also ensure that licensing arrangements are appropriate to the areas in which local residents reside and inform elected Members of the parameters within which licensing decisions can be made.

4.3 This policy sets out the process the licensing authority will adopt in dealing with licence applications with particular regard to the various types of premises and permissions and the various conditions that can be attached to licences if relevant representations are made. It also highlights the Council’s undertaking to avoid duplication with other statutory provisions and its commitment to work in partnership with other enforcement agencies.

4.4 When carrying out its licensing functions the Council will always have regard to this statement of policy and the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

4.5 The licensing authority may depart from this policy or the Guidance if the individual circumstances of any case merit such a decision in the interests of promoting the four licensing objectives. Whenever the licensing authority takes a decision to depart from this policy or the Guidance, clear reasons will be given.

4.6 The Licensing Authority has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to do all it can to prevent Crime and Disorder in the District.

4.7 The statement of policy took effect on 27 February 2020 and will be kept under review. A revised statement of policy will be published no later than 26 February 2025.

5.0 General Principles

5.1 Every application received by the licensing authority will be considered on its own individual merits.

5.2 If an application for a premises licence or club premises certificate has been made lawfully and there have been no representations from responsible authorities or other persons, the licensing authority must grant the application, subject only to conditions that are consistent with the operating schedule and any relevant mandatory conditions.

5.3 The licensing authority will aim to carry out its licensing functions in a way that promotes tourism, increases leisure and culture provision and encourages economic development within the District.

5.4 However the licensing authority will also always try and balance the needs of the wider community, local community and commercial premises, against the needs of those whose quality of life may be adversely affected by the carrying on of licensable activities, particularly within residential areas.

5.5 In particular the licensing authority will attempt to control any potential negative impacts from the carrying on of licensable activities, such as increased crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, noise, nuisance, risks to public safety and harm to children.

5.6 The licensing authority’s aim is to facilitate well run and managed premises with licence holders displaying sensitivity to the impact of the premises on local residents.

5.7 The licensing authority acknowledges that licensing law is not the primary mechanism for the general control of anti-social behaviour by individuals once they are beyond the direct control of the individual, club or business holding the authorisation concerned. As a matter of policy, however, the licensing authority expects every holder of an authorisation to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of their activities and anti-social behaviour by their patrons within the immediate surroundings of their premises.

5.8 “Need” concerns the commercial demand for another pub, restaurant or hotel and is a matter for the planning authority and for the market. Need is not a matter that the licensing authority can consider in carrying out its licensing functions.

6.0 Applications for Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates

6.1 The relevant application forms and associated documents can be obtained from the licensing authority’s website or from licensing officers during normal office hours.

6.2 Along with the application form, applicants must also submit an operating schedule and plans of the premises to which the application relates. The licensing authority would like any plans submitted to be drawn to a recognised scale, i.e. 1:50 or 1:100, or 1:150, or 1:200. The plans should also be clear and legible in all material respects, i.e. they must be accessible and provides sufficient detail for the licensing authority to be able to determine the application, including the relative size of any features relevant to the application. This should include details and the location of any fire safety equipment provided at the premises. The licensing authority does not require plans to be professionally drawn as long as they clearly show all the prescribed information.

6.3 Through their operating schedule, applicants will be expected to demonstrate the positive steps that they will take to promote the four licensing objectives.

Operating Schedules

6.4 The operating schedule is a key document and, if prepared comprehensively, will form the basis on which premises can be licensed without the need for additional extensive conditions. All applicants for the grant or variation of a premises licence or club premises certificate are required to provide an operating schedule as part of their application. The licensing authority expects an operating schedule to indicate the positive steps that the applicant proposes to take to promote the licensing objectives.

6.5 In completing an operating schedule, applicants are expected to have regard to this statement of licensing policy and to demonstrate suitable knowledge of their local area when describing the steps that they propose to take in order to promote the licensing objectives.

6.6 The licensing authority will provide general advice on the drafting of operating schedules and applicants are strongly recommended to discuss their operating schedules with the licensing authority and other responsible authorities prior to submitting them.

6.7 The complexity and detail required in the operating schedule will depend upon the nature and use of the premises concerned. For premises such as a public house where regulated entertainment is not provided, only a relatively simple document may be required. However for an operating schedule accompanying an application for a major entertainment venue or event, it will be expected that issues such as public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder will be addressed in detail.

6.8 The operating schedule must be set out on the prescribed form and include a statement of the following:

  • Full details of the licensable activities to be carried on at and the intended use of the premises;
  • The times during which the licensable activities will take place;
  • Any other times when the premises are to be open to the public;
  • Where the licence is only required for a limited period, that period;
  • Where the licensable activities include the supply of alcohol, the name and address of the individual to be specified as the designated premises supervisor;
  • Whether alcohol will be supplied for consumption on or off the premises or both;
  • The steps which the applicant proposes to promote the licensing objectives.

6.9 For some premises, it is possible that no measures will be appropriate to promote one or more of the licensing objectives, for example, because they are adequately covered by other existing legislation. It is however important that all operating schedules should be precise and clear about the measures that are proposed to promote each of the licensing objectives.

Guidance on Completing an Operating Schedule

6.10 The following guidance is intended to assist applicants by setting out considerations that they should have in mind when drawing up their operating schedules. The guidance is designed to alert applicants to any matters that responsible authorities are likely to consider when deciding whether to make representations on an application or whether to call for a review.

(a) Prevention of Crime and Disorder

6.11 Licensed premises, especially those offering late night/early morning entertainment, alcohol and refreshment for large numbers of people, can sometimes be a source of crime and disorder problems.

6.12 The licensing authority will expect operating schedules, where appropriate, to satisfactorily address these issues from the design of the premises through to the daily operation of the business.

6.13 The licensing authority will normally look to the police as the main source of advice on crime and disorder and therefore applicants are recommended to seek advice from West Mercia Police in relation to what steps they can take to promote the prevention of crime and disorder.

6.14 In addition when planning and preparing operating schedules applicants are advised to take into account local planning and transport policies, tourism, cultural and crime and disorder reduction strategies as appropriate.

6.15 In addition to the requirements for the licensing authority to promote the licensing objectives, it also has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1988 to do all it can to prevent crime and disorder in the District.

6.16 When considering all licence applications the licensing authority will take into account the measures proposed to deal with the potential for, and the prevention of, crime and disorder having regard to all circumstances of the application. Applicants should include information on these issues within the operating schedule for the premises.

6.17 In particular, the licensing authority will consider the actions, which are appropriate for the premises that the applicant has taken, or is proposing to take with regard to the following:

  1. the ability of the person in charge of the premises to monitor the premises at all times that it is open; although this does not mean that the designated premises supervisor has to be present at all times.
  2. the training given to staff regarding crime prevention measures for the premises;
  3. physical security features installed in the premises (e.g. position of cash registers, CCTV, toughened drinking glasses etc.);
  4. management attitudes (e.g. responsible pricing promotions, willingness to stagger trading, willingness to limit sales of bottles or canned alcohol for immediate consumption and preventing the sale of alcohol to people who are drunk);
  5. any other measure as may be appropriate (e.g. participation in local Pubwatch and/or Shopwatch schemes or ‘Behave or be Banned’ schemes (BOBS), restrictions on ‘happy hours’, music wind-down policies);
  6. the measures employed to prevent the consumption or supply of illegal drugs, including any search procedures and entry policies;
  7. where the premises are subject to age restrictions, the procedures in place to conduct age verification checks;
  8. the likelihood of any violence, public order of policing problems if the licence is granted.
  9. the employment of door safety staff licensed by the Security Industries Association (SIA)

6.18 Applicants for late night entertainment and alcohol premises should show that they can comply with the Home Office Guidance ‘Safer Clubbing’ in relation to the control of illegal drugs on their premises. They should agree a protocol with the licensing authority and West Mercia Police on the handling of illegal drugs found on their premises.

6.19 The licensing authority in setting its policies and practices considering applications for licensed premises will have due regard to the current Crime and Disorder Strategy for the Area. Regard will be had to the relatively low crime levels in the area and any disproportionate effects likely to be perceived by residents and members of the public due to nuisance, anti-social behaviour and disorder arising or likely to arise as the result of granting a licence.

(b) Public Safety

6.20 The Licensing Act 2003 covers a wide range of premises that require licensing including cinemas, nightclubs, public houses, village and community halls, schools, cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets/takeaways. Each of these types of premises present a mixture of risks, some of which may be common to most premises whilst others will be unique to specific operations. Risk assessments must reflect the local nature of risks applying to each event and or venue.

The licensing authority will expect operating schedules, where appropriate, to satisfactorily address these public safety issues. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from licensing authority officers and the Fire Safety Section of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

6.21 Where an inspection is required for premises the licensing authority will try where possible to reduce inconvenience, confusion and inconsistency by co-ordinating inspections and visits with the fire authority, police, building control and environmental health officers, as appropriate.

6.22 The identification of a safe capacity limit for premises ensures that persons can be evacuated safely from premises in cases of emergency and may be one means of promoting the Act’s public safety objective. The design and layout of premises are important factors when determining a safe occupant capacity. Other factors that may influence safe occupancy limits and may need to be considered when assessing the appropriate capacity for premises or events include:

  • the nature of the premises or event
  • the nature of the licensable activities being provided
  • the provision or removal of such items as temporary structures, such as a stage, or furniture
  • the number of staff available to supervise customers both ordinarily and in the event of an emergency
  • the age spectrum of the customers
  • the attendance by customers with disabilities, or whose first language is not English
  • availability of suitable and sufficient sanitary facilities
  • nature and provision of facilities for ventilation

6.23 The licensing authority encourages applicants for premises licences that provide regulated entertainment (or any other premises providing a licensable activity where occupant capacity may be a public safety issue) to seek advice regarding safe occupancy levels from the Fire Safety Section of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Where the licensing authority’s discretion has been engaged following receipt of a relevant representation and it believes it is appropriate for reasons of public safety to impose a condition identifying an occupancy limit, the licensing authority will not normally seek to impose an occupancy limit different to that identified by the Fire Authority if this differs from the figure set in the applicant’s Fire Risk Assessment.

(c) Prevention of Public Nuisance

6.24 Licensed premises, especially those operating late at night and in the early hours of the morning, can sometimes cause a range of nuisances impacting on people living, working or sleeping in the area surrounding the premises.

6.25 The licensing authority is keen to protect the amenity of residents and businesses within the area surrounding a licensed premises that are affected by the carrying on of licensable activities at that premises.

6.26 In addition, the licensing authority is aware of the importance of the licensed trade to the local economy and its culture and leisure aspirations. The licensing authority will, therefore, try and work together with all affected parties, statutory agencies and licensed businesses to ensure a mutually beneficial co-existence.

6.27 When considering all licence applications, the licensing authority will take into account the adequacy of measures proposed to deal with the potential for nuisance and/or anti-social behaviour having regard to all the circumstances of the application.

6.28 In particular the licensing authority will consider the action that is appropriate for the premises that the applicant has taken or is proposing with regard to the following:

  1. prevention of noise and vibration escaping from the premises, including music, noise from ventilation equipment, and human voices. Such measures may include the installation of soundproofing, air conditioning, acoustic lobbies and sound limitation devices;
  2. The structural suitability of the premises to provide the licensable activities sought including for example matters such as whether the premises benefits from double glazing and lobbied doors.
  3. preventing disturbance by customers arriving at or leaving the premises, particularly between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am;
  4. preventing queuing by pedestrians or vehicular traffic, or if some queuing is inevitable, ensuring the queues are diverted away from neighbouring premises, or are otherwise managed, to prevent disturbance or obstruction;
  5. ensuring staff leave the premises quietly;
  6. arrangements for parking by patrons and staff, and the effect of the parking on local residents;
  7. provision for public transport (including taxis and private hire vehicles) for patrons;
  8. whether licensed taxis or private hire vehicles are likely to disturb local residents;
  9. whether routes to and from the premises on foot, by car or other services pass residential premises;
  10. the installation of any special measures where licensed premises are, or are proposed to be, located near sensitive premises such as nursing homes, hospitals, hospices or places of worship;
  11.  the use of gardens and other open-air areas;
  12. the location of external lighting, including security lighting that is installed;
  13. other appropriate measures to prevent nuisance, such as the employment of registered door supervisors or the use of CCTV;
  14. preventing the consumption or supply of illegal drugs, including search procedures;
  15. whether the premises would lead to increased refuse storage or disposal problems, or additional litter (including fly posters and illegal placards) in the vicinity of the premises;
  16. the history of previous nuisance complaints proved to have taken place at the premises, particularly where statutory notices have been served on the present licensees.

6.29 The licensing authority is keen to stress, however, that as well as the licensing function there are other mechanisms for addressing issues of unruly behaviour that occur away from licensed premises. These include:

  • planning controls;
  • powers to designate parts of the District as places where alcohol may not be consumed publicly and the confiscation of alcohol in these areas;
  • police powers to close some premises for up to 24 hours in extreme cases of disorder or excessive noise;
  • police enforcement of the law with regard to disorder and anti-social behaviour;
  • the power of responsible authorities or interested parties to request a review of the licence;
  • enforcement action against those selling alcohol to people who are already drunk.
(d) Protection of Children from Harm

6.30 The licensing authority recognises that there are a range of activities for which licences may be sought meaning that children can be expected to visit many of these premises, often on their own, for food and /or other entertainment.

6.31 The Licensing Act 2003 does not prevent children having free access to any licensed premises. The licensing authority recognises that limitations may have to be considered where it is deemed necessary to protect children from harm. The following are examples of premises that may raise concerns:

  • where there have been convictions for serving alcohol to minors, or with a reputation for under-age drinking;
  • with a known association with drug taking or dealing;
  • where there is a strong element of gambling on the premises;
  • where entertainment of an adult or sexual nature is provided;
  • where there is a presumption that children under 18 should not be allowed (e.g. to nightclubs, except when under 18 discos are being held).

6.32 The licensing authority expects personal licence holders to seek to ensure alcohol is not served to children under the age of 18, except in limited conditions allowed for by law. The licensing authority recommends that the only way to verify a person’s proof of age is with reference to the following:-

  • passport
  • a photocard driving licence issued in a European Union country;
  • a Proof of Age Standards Scheme card;
  • a Citizen Card, supported by the Home Office (details from www.citizencard.net);
  • an official identity card issued by HM Forces or by a European Union country bearing the photograph and date of birth of the bearer.

6.33 When deciding whether to limit the access of children to premises the licensing authority will judge each application on its own merits and a range of conditions may be imposed depending on the circumstances. To assist with this the licensing authority will consult with West Mercia Police and the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board if practical or other agencies as the licensing authority consider appropriate.

6.34 Where concerns have been identified in respect of individual premises and it is felt that access to the premises by children should be restricted the options available include:

  • limitations on the hours when children may be present;
  • age limitations for persons under 18;
  • limitations or exclusion when certain activities are taking place;
  • full exclusion of persons under 18 when certain licensable activities are taking place;
  • limitation of access to certain parts of the premises for under 18s;
  • a requirement for an accompanying adult to be present.

6.35 However these options are not exhaustive and other options may be considered as the Council considers appropriate. The licensing authority also commends the adoption of the Portman Group Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks by prospective licensees where the licence applies to the sale of alcohol.

6.36 The Licensing Act details a number of offences that are designed to protect children in licensed premises and the licensing authority will work closely with the Police and Trading Standards Services to ensure appropriate and effective enforcement is undertaken, especially in relation to the sale and supply of alcohol to children.

6.37 The Licensing Authority will not impose any conditions that specifically require the access of children to the premises.

6.38 Where no conditions or restrictions are imposed, the issue of access for children remains a matter of discretion for individual licensees or clubs subject to any relevant provisions in law.

6.39 Films cover a vast range of subjects, some of which deal with adult themes and/or contain, for example scenes of horror or violence that may be considered unsuitable for children with certain age ranges. Where a premises is used for film exhibitions, the licensing authority will normally impose conditions restricting access only to persons who meet the required age limit in line with any certificate granted by the British Board of Film Classification or the licensing authority itself.

6.40 The Licensing Authority will expect licensees to ensure that age restrictions for film exhibitions are properly complied with.

6.41 In considering applications, the licensing authority will take into account any evidence that age restrictions for film exhibitions are not being properly observed.

6.42 Many children attend or take part in an entertainment arranged especially for them, for example children’s shows, dance and drama or school productions. Specific additional arrangements may need to be operated to ensure their safety. For example:

  • an adult member of staff to be stationed at each and every exit from any level and to the outside and subject to there being a minimum of one member of staff to fifty children or part thereof.
  • no child is to be permitted in the front row of any balcony unless they are supervised by an adult.


7.0 Representations

7.1 When an application is made for the grant, variation or review of a premises licence or club premises certificate, representations about the application can be made by responsible authorities or other persons.

7.2 Representations must be made to the licensing authority within the statutory period of 28 days beginning on the day after the relevant application is received by the licensing authority. Representations must be made in writing

7.3 Representations can be made either in support of an application or to express objections to an application being granted. However the licensing authority can only accept “relevant representations.” A representation is “relevant” if it relates to the likely effect of the grant of the licence on the promotion of at least one of the licensing objectives.

7.4 An example of a representation that would not be relevant would be a representation from a local businessperson about the commercial damage that competition from a new licensed premises would do to their own business. On the other hand, a representation by a businessperson that nuisance caused by new premises would deter customers from entering the local area, and the steps proposed by the applicant to prevent that nuisance were inadequate, would be a relevant representation.

7.5 In other words, representations should relate to the impact of licensable activities carried on from premises on the licensing objectives.

7.6 For representations in relation to variations to be relevant, they should be confined to the subject matter of the variation.

7.7 Whilst the licensing authority expects representations to be evidence based, there is no requirement for a responsible authority or other person to produce a recorded history of problems at premises to support their representations, and it is recognised that in fact this would not be possible for new premises.

(a) Representations from Responsible Authorities

7.8 Responsible authorities are a group of public bodies that must be fully notified of applications and that are entitled to make representations to the licensing authority in relation to the application for the grant, variation or review of a premises licence or club premises certificate. A full list of contact details for the responsible authorities is provided on the licensing authority’s website.

7.9 Whilst all responsible authorities may make representations regarding applications for licences and club premises certificates and full variation applications, it is the responsibility of each responsible authority to determine when they have appropriate grounds to do so.

7.10 The licensing authority recognises that every responsible authority can make representations relating to any of the four licensing objectives. However the licensing authority would normally expect representations about the promotion of individual licensing objectives to come from the most relevant responsible authority with expertise in that particular area. For example the licensing authority would expect representations about the prevention of crime and disorder to come primarily from the police and representations about the prevention of public nuisance to come primarily from environmental health.

7.11 The licensing authority recognises that the police should be its main source of advice on matters relating to the promotion of the crime and disorder licensing objective, but also may be able to make relevant representations with regards to the other licensing objectives if they have evidence to support such representations.

7.12 The licensing authority will accept all reasonable and proportionate representations made by the police unless it has evidence that do so would not be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives. However the licensing authority will still expect any police representations to be evidence based and able to withstand scrutiny at a hearing.

7.13 The licensing authority recognises Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board as being the body that is competent to advise it on the licensing objective of the protection of children from harm.

7.14 The licensing authority recognises that, although public health is not a licensing objective, health bodies may hold information which other responsible authorities do not, but which would assist the licensing authority in exercising its functions.

7.15 For example, drunkenness can lead to accidents and injuries from violence, resulting in attendances at emergency departments and the use of ambulance services. Some of these incidents will be reported to the police, but many will not. Such information might be relevant to the public safety objective and in some cases the crime and disorder objective.

7.16 As a result of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the licensing authority is also now a responsible authority and can therefore make representations if it deems it appropriate to do so.

7.17 However the licensing authority will not normally act as a responsible authority on behalf of other parties (for example, local residents, local councillors or community groups) although there are occasions where the authority may decide to do so.

7.18 Such parties can make relevant representations to the licensing authority in their own right, and the licensing authority expects them to make representations themselves where they are reasonably able to do so.

7.19 The licensing authority also expects that other responsible authorities should intervene where the basis for the intervention falls within the remit of that other responsible authority. Each responsible authority has equal standing under the 2003 Act and may act independently without waiting for representations from any other responsible authority.

7.20 In cases where a licensing authority is also acting as responsible authority in relation to the same process, the licensing authority will seek to achieve a separation of responsibilities within the authority to ensure procedural fairness and eliminate conflicts of interest. This will be achieved by allocating the different responsibilities to different licensing officers or other officers within the local authority to ensure a proper separation of responsibilities.

(b) Representations from Other Persons

7.21 Relevant representations about applications can also be made by any other person, regardless of their geographical position in relation to the relevant premises. However the licensing authority will usually give greater weight to representations that are made by people who can demonstrate that they would be directly affected by the carrying on of licensable activities at the premises concerned.

7.22 The licensing authority will also reject as invalid, any representations from other persons that are deemed to be frivolous or vexatious. A representation might be considered to be vexatious if it appears to be intended to cause aggravation or annoyance, whether to a competitor or other person, without reasonable cause. Frivolous representations are essentially categorised by a lack of seriousness. Frivolous representations would concern issues which, at most, are minor and in relation to which no remedial steps would be warranted or proportionate.

7.23 Decisions as to the validity of representations will normally be made by officers of the licensing authority. In borderline cases, the benefit of the doubt about any aspect of a representation will be given to the person making that representation. The subsequent hearing would then provide an opportunity for the person or body making the representation to amplify and clarify it.

7.24 Any person who is aggrieved by a rejection of their representations on either of these grounds may lodge a complaint through the authority’s corporate complaints procedure. A person may also challenge such a decision by way of judicial review.

7.25 Where a notice of a hearing is given to an applicant, the licensing authority is required to provide the applicant with copies of the relevant representations that have been made.

7.26 The licensing authority will normally provide copies of the relevant representations to the applicant in full and without redaction. However in exceptional circumstances, where a person satisfies the licensing authority that they have genuine reasons to fear intimidation or violence if their personal details, such as name and address, are divulged to the applicant, the copies of the representations may be redacted accordingly.

7.27 In such circumstances the licensing authority will still provide some details to the applicant (such as street name or general location within a street), so that the applicant can fully prepare their response to any particular representation.

7.28 Alternatively persons may wish to contact the relevant responsible authority or their local Councillor with details of how they consider that the licensing objectives are being undermined so that the responsible authority can make representations on their behalf if appropriate and justified.

7.29 Further guidance on making representations is provided on the licensing authority’s website.

8.0 Licensing Hours

8.1 The licensing authority recognises the variety of premises for which licences will be sought and that fixed and artificially early closing times in certain areas can lead to peaks of disorder and disturbance on the streets when people tend to leave licensed premises at the same time.

8.2 When determining what licensing hours are appropriate for a premises the licensing authority will always consider each application on its own merits and will not impose predetermined licensed opening hours, without giving individual consideration to the merits of each application. The licensing authority will take into account requests for licensable hours in the light of:

  • environmental quality;
  • residential amenity;
  • the character or function of a particular area; and
  • the nature of the proposed activities to be provided at the premises.

8.3 Consideration may be given to imposing stricter restrictions on licensing hours when it is appropriate to control noise and disturbance from particular licensed premises, such as those in mainly residential areas.

8.4 In accordance with established practice, the licensing authority encourages applicants, to include measures of good practice in their operating schedules such as a policy of prohibiting new persons from being admitted to their premises after 11.00 pm in order to reduce the risk of disorder and disturbance to members of the public late at night, where this is appropriate to the premises concerned.

8.5 Generally the licensing authority will consider licensing shops, stores and supermarkets to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises during the normal hours they intend to open for shopping purposes. There may, however, be instances where it is considered that there are good reasons for restricting those hours, for example, where police representations are made in respect of isolated shops known to be the focus of disorder and public nuisance.

9.0 Conditions on Licences and Certificates

9.1 Conditions on a premises licence or club premises certificate are important in setting the parameters within which premises can lawfully operate. The licensing authority will ensure any conditions that are imposed on a premises licence or club premises certificate:

  • Are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives;
  • Are precise and enforceable;
  • Are unambiguous and clear in what they intend to achieve;
  • Do not duplicate other statutory requirements or other duties or responsibilities placed on the business by other legislation;
  • Are tailored to the individual type, location and characteristics of the premises and events concerned;
  • Are not standardised and may therefore be unlawful if it cannot be demonstrated that they are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives in an individual case;
  • Do not replicate offences set out in the 2003 Act or other legislation;
  • Are proportionate, justifiable and capable of being met, (for example, whilst beer glasses may be available in toughened glass, wine glasses may not);
  • Do not seek to manage the behaviour of customers once they are beyond the direct management of the licence holder and their staff, but may impact on the behaviour of customers in the immediate vicinity of the premises or as they enter or leave; and
  • Are written in a prescriptive format.

9.2 Although the licensing authority may use standardised forms of wording in conditions to cover commonly arising situations and circumstances, “blanket conditions” will not be applied to licences and specific conditions may be drawn up and applied to meet local need and circumstances.

10.0 Reviews

10.1 At any stage, following the grant or a premises licence or club premises certificate, a responsible authority or any other person, may apply to the licensing authority for a review of the licence or certificate because of a problem arising at the premises in connection with any of the four licensing objectives.

10.2 In every case the application for review must relate to particular premises for which a licence or certificate is in force and must be relevant to the promotion of the licensing objectives.

10.3 Any responsible authority under the 2003 Act may apply for a review of a premises licence or club premises certificate. Therefore, the relevant licensing authority may apply for a review if it is concerned about licensed activities at premises and wants to intervene early without waiting for representations from other persons.

10.4 However, the licensing authority will not normally act as a responsible authority in applying for reviews on behalf of other persons, such as local residents or community groups. These individuals or groups are entitled to apply for a review for a licence or certificate in their own right if they have grounds to do so.

10.5 The licensing authority also expects other responsible authorities to intervene where the basis for the intervention falls within the remit of that other authority. For example, the police should take appropriate steps where the basis for the review is concern about crime and disorder. Likewise, where there are concerns about noise nuisance, it is expected that environmental health will make the application for review.

10.6 Where responsible authorities have concerns about problems identified at premises, the licensing authority considers it good practice for them to give licence holders early warning of their concerns and the need for improvement, and where possible they should advise the licence or certificate holder of the steps they need to take to address those concerns.

10.7 A failure by the holder to respond to such warnings is expected to lead to a decision to apply for a review. The licensing authority believes that co-operation at a local level in promoting the licensing objectives should be encouraged and reviews should not be used to undermine this co-operation.

10.8 If the application for a review has been made by a person other than a responsible authority (for example, a local resident, residents’ association, local business or trade association), before taking action the licensing authority will first consider whether the complaint being made is relevant, frivolous, vexatious or repetitious.

10.9 A review application might be considered to be vexatious if it appears to be intended to cause aggravation or annoyance, whether to a competitor or other person, without reasonable cause. Frivolous applications are essentially categorised by a lack of seriousness. Frivolous applications would concern issues which, at most, are minor and in relation to which no remedial steps would be warranted or proportionate.

10.10 The licensing authority considers a repetitious ground for review to be one that is identical or substantially similar to:

  • a ground for review specified in an earlier application for review made in relation to the same premises licence or certificate which has already been determined; or
  • representations considered by the licensing authority when the premises licence or certificate was granted; or
  • representations which would have been made when the application for the premises licence was first made and which were excluded then by reason of the prior issue of a provisional statement; and, in addition to the above grounds, a reasonable interval has not elapsed since that earlier review or grant.

10.11 The licensing authority is aware of the need to prevent attempts to review licences merely as a further means of challenging the grant of the licence following the failure of representations to persuade the licensing authority on an earlier occasion.

10.12 The licensing authority believes that more than one review originating from any person or group of persons such as residents and(or) community groups, other than a responsible authority in relation to a particular premises should not normally be permitted within a 12 month period on similar grounds save in compelling circumstances or where it arises following a closure order.

10.13 The exclusion of a complaint on the grounds that it is repetitious does not apply to responsible authorities which may make more than one application for a review of a licence or certificate within a 12 month period.

10.14 Guidance on applying for a review of a licence or certificate, along with the necessary forms, can be found on the licensing authority’s website.

11.0 Minor Variations

11.1 Variations to premises licences or club premises certificates that could not impact adversely on the licensing objectives are subject to a simplified ‘minor variations’ process. Under this process, the applicant is not required to advertise the variation in a newspaper or circular, or copy it to responsible authorities. However, they must display it on a white notice (to distinguish it from the blue notice used for full variations and new applications).

11.2 Minor variations will generally fall into four categories: minor changes to the structure or layout of premises; small adjustments to licensing hours; the removal of out of date, irrelevant or unenforceable conditions or addition of volunteered conditions; and the addition of certain licensable activities. In all cases the overall test is whether the proposed variation could impact adversely on any of the four licensing objectives.

11.3 On receipt of an application for a minor variation, the licensing authority will consider whether the variation could impact adversely on the licensing objectives. Decisions on minor variations will normally be delegated to licensing officers who will look at each application on its own individual merits.

11.4 In considering the application, the officer will consult relevant responsible authorities if there is any doubt about the impact of the variation on the licensing objectives and they need specialist advice, and take their views into account in reaching a decision.

11.5 The officer will also carefully consider any relevant representations received from other persons that are received within a period of ten working days from the ‘initial day’, that is to say, the day after the application is received by the licensing authority.

11.6 The officer will then determine the application and will contact the applicant within 15 working days, beginning on the first working day after the authority received the application, with effect either that the minor variation is granted or the application is refused.

12.0 Cumulative Impact

12.1 Cumulative impact is the potential impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives of a number of licensed premises concentrated in one area.

12.2 In some areas where the number, type or density of licensed premises, such as those selling alcohol or providing late night refreshment, is high or exceptional, serious problems of nuisance and disorder may arise outside or some distance from those premises. Such problems generally occur as a result of large numbers of drinkers being concentrated in an area, for example when leaving premises at peak times or when queuing at fast food outlets or for public transport.

12.3 Queuing in itself may lead to conflict, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, large concentrations of people may also attract criminal activities such as drug dealing, pick pocketing and street robbery. Local services such as public transport, public lavatory provision and street cleaning may not be able to meet the demand posed by such concentrations of drinkers leading to issues such as street fouling, littering, traffic and public nuisance caused by concentrations of people who cannot be effectively dispersed quickly.

12.4 Variable licensing hours may facilitate a more gradual dispersal of customers from premises. However, in some cases, the impact on surrounding areas of the behaviour of the customers of all premises taken together will be greater than the impact of customers of individual premises. These conditions are more likely to arise in town and city centres, but may also arise in other urban centres and the suburbs, for example on smaller high streets with high concentrations of licensed premises.

12.5 With effect from 6 April 2018, the Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced the concept of cumulative impact assessments into the Licensing Act 2003 by inserting into the Act a new section 5A.

12.6 A cumulative impact assessment (CIA) may be published by a licensing authority to help it to limit the number or types of licence applications granted in areas where there is evidence to show that the number or density of licensed premises in the area is having a cumulative impact and leading to problems which are undermining the licensing objectives. CIAs relate to applications for new premises licences and club premises certificates and applications to vary existing premises licences and club premises certificates in a specified area.

12.7 At the current time the licensing authority has not published a CIA as there is not currently an evidential basis on which to base such a decision.

12.8 If the licensing authority were to consider the publication of a CIA in the future, it would do so in accordance with the requirements of section 5A of the Licensing Act 2003 and with regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

13.0 Personal Licences – New Applications

13.1 A personal licence is a licence issued to an individual authorising them to make or authorise the sale of alcohol in accordance with a premises licence. Every premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol must specify an individual who acts as the designated premises supervisor (DPS). The DPS must hold a personal licence.

13.2 Applications for personal licences should be made to the licensing authority for the area where the applicant is ordinarily resident at the time they make their application.

13.3

  1. The applicant is aged 18 or over
  2. The applicant is entitled to work in the United Kingdom
  3. The applicant possesses a licensing qualification or is a person of a prescribed description
  4. The applicant has not forfeited a personal licence in the five year period prior to their application being made
  5. The applicant has not been convicted or any relevant offence or any foreign offence or required to pay an immigration penalty

13.4 The licensing authority must reject an application if the applicant fails to meet one or more of the requirements set out in (a) to (d) above.

13.5 Where the applicant meets the requirements in (a) to (d) but does not meet the requirements of (e), the licensing authority must give the chief officer of police for its area a notice to this effect. Having received such a notice, if the chief officer of police is satisfied that the granting of the application would undermine the crime prevention objective, he must within 14 days, give the licensing authority a notice to that effect.

13.6 Where the applicant fails to meet the requirements of (e) as a result of a conviction for an immigration offence or because they have been required to pay an immigration penalty, the licensing authority must give a notice to the Secretary of State for the Home Department to that effect. The Home Office may object to an application on grounds that granting the personal licence would be prejudicial to the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises.

13.7 Where an objection to the grant of a personal licence is received from either the chief officer of police or the Home Office, the applicant is entitled to a hearing before the licensing authority. If no objections are received, the licensing authority must grant the application.

13.8 At a hearing to determine a personal licence application to which the chief officer of police or Home Office have objected, the licensing authority will have regard to all of the circumstances including the following:

  • The need to assess each case on its merits
  • The duty to promote the crime prevention objective
  • The objection notice given by the Police or Home Office
  • The guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003
  • The seriousness of the relevant offence 
  • The sentence or penalty imposed on the applicant for the relevant offence
  • Any representations made by the applicant
  • Any other evidence as to the previous character of the applicant

13.9 If, having considered all of the circumstances, the licensing authority considers that it is appropriate for either the promotion of the crime prevention objective or for the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises to reject the application, it must do so. In all other cases the application must be granted.

13.10 If an application is refused, the applicant will be entitled to appeal against the decision they make. Similarly, if the application is granted despite a police objection notice or an objection from the Home Office, the chief officer of police or Home Office are entitled to appeal against the licensing authority’s determination. The licensing authority will therefore record in full the reasons for any decision that it makes.

14.0 Personal Licences – Suspension and Revocation

14.1 Section 138 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 amended the Licensing Act 2003 and gave the power to a licensing authority to suspend or revoke personal licences that it has issued with effect from 6 April 2017.

14.2 When a licensing authority has granted a personal licence and becomes aware that the licence holder has been convicted of a relevant offence or foreign offence or been required to pay an immigration penalty, a licensing authority may revoke the licence or suspend it for a period of up to six months. This applies to convictions received and civil immigration penalties which a person has been required to pay at any time before or after the licence was granted, as long as the conviction was received after 6 April 2017, or the requirement to pay the civil penalty arose after 6 April 2017. Prior to 6 April 2017 only magistrates’ courts can order the forfeiture or suspension of a personal licence for convictions.

14.3 The process which must be undertaken by the licensing authority to suspend or revoke a personal licence is set out at section 132A of the 2003 Act. The decision to revoke or suspend a personal licence must be made by the licensing committee or sub-committee, but the actions required before making a final decision may be made by a licensing officer.

14.4 The licensing authority may not take action if the licence holder has appealed against the conviction or the sentence imposed in relation to the offence, until the appeal is disposed of. Where an appeal is not lodged, the licensing authority may not take action until the time limit for making an appeal has expired.

14.5 If a licensing authority is considering revoking or suspending a personal licence, the authority must give notice to the licence holder. This notice must invite the holder to make representations about the conviction, any decision of a court in relation to the licence, or any decision by an appellate court if the licence holder has appealed such a decision. The licence holder may also decide to include any other information, for example, about their personal circumstances.

14.6 The licence holder must be given 28 days to make their representation, beginning on the day the notice was issued. The licensing authority does not need to hold a hearing to consider the representations. Before deciding whether to revoke or suspend the licence the licensing authority must consider any representations made by the licence holder, any decisions made by the court or appellate court in respect of the personal licence of which the licensing authority is aware, and any other information which the licensing authority considers relevant.

14.7 The licensing authority may not be aware of whether the court considered whether to revoke or suspend the licence, and there is no obligation on the licensing authority to find this out before making a decision themselves. Where the court has considered the personal licence and decided not to take action, this does not prevent the licensing authority from deciding to take action itself. Licensing authorities have different aims to courts in that they must fulfil their statutory duty to promote the licensing objectives, and therefore it is appropriate for the licensing authority to come to its own decision about the licence.

14.8 If the licensing authority, having considered a suspension and revocation and subsequently considered all the information made available to it, proposes not to revoke the licence it must give notice to the chief officer of police in the licensing authority’s area, and invite the chief officer to make representations about whether the licence should be suspended or revoked, having regard to the prevention of crime. The chief officer may make representations within the period of 14 days from the day they receive the notice from the licensing authority.

14.9 Any representations made by the chief officer of police must be taken into account by the licensing authority in deciding whether to suspend or revoke the licence.

14.10 Convictions may come to light via police in another area, for example if the personal licence holder no longer lives in the area of the licensing authority which issued the licence, or if the offence took place in another police force area. In this instance it would be good practice for the police providing the information to notify the police force in the licensing authority area, because it is the local chief officer who must provide representations if the licensing authority proposes not to revoke the licence.

14.11 Where the licence holder is convicted of immigration offences or has been required to pay a civil penalty for immigration matters, the licensing authority should notify Home Office Immigration Enforcement and allow representations to be made in the same way.

14.12 In deciding whether to suspend or revoke a personal licence, the licensing authority will have regard to all of the circumstances including the following:

  • The need to assess each case on its merits
  • The duty to promote the licensing objectives
  • The guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003
  • The seriousness of the relevant offence
  • The sentence or penalty imposed on the licence holder for the relevant offence
  • Any representations made by the Police or Home Office Immigration Enforcement
  • Any representations made by the holder of the licence
  • Any evidence as to the previous character of the holder of the licence

14.13 The licensing authority must notify the licence holder and the chief officer of police of the decision made (even if the police did not make representations). The licence holder may appeal the licensing authority’s decision to revoke or suspend their personal licence. A decision to revoke or suspend the licence does not take effect until the end of the period allowed for appealing the decision (21 days); or if the decision is appealed against, until the appeal is disposed of.

14.14 If the personal licence holder is a DPS, the licensing authority may notify the premises licence holder once the decision to revoke or suspend the licence has been made if it becomes necessary to do so in order for the licensing authority to be able to carry out their functions.

14.15 The licensing authority may also notify any person who has declared an interest in the premises under section 178 of the 2003 Act if it becomes necessary to do so in order for the licensing authority to be able to carry out their functions.

15.0 Immigration Act 2016 – Entitlement to Work

15.1 Section 36 of and Schedule 4 to the Immigration Act 2016 made a number of amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 to introduce immigration safeguards in respect of licensing applications made in England and Wales on or after 6 April 2017. The intention of these changes is to prevent illegal working in premises licensed for the sale of alcohol or late night refreshment.

15.2 The statutory prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective in the Licensing Act 2003 includes the prevention of immigration crime and the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises. The Council will work with the Home Office (Immigration Enforcement) as well as the police, in respect of these matters.
15.3 Section 36 of and Schedule 4 to the Immigration Act 2016 (the 2016 Act) amended the 2003 Act to provide that in England and Wales:

  • Premises licences to sell alcohol or provide late night refreshment and personal licences cannot be issued to an individual who does not have permission to be in the UK, or is not entitled to undertake work relating to the carrying on of a licensable activity;
  • Licences issued to those with limited permission to be in the UK will lapse when their permission to be in the UK and work in a licensable activity comes to an end;
  • Immigration offences, including civil penalties, are ‘relevant offences’ as defined by the 2003 Act;
  • The Home Secretary (in practice Home Office (Immigration Enforcement)) was added to the list of responsible authorities in the licensing regime, which requires Home Office (Immigration Enforcement) to receive premises licence applications (except regulated entertainment only licences) and applications to transfer premises licences, and in some limited circumstances personal licence applications, and permits Home Office (Immigration Enforcement) to make appropriate representations and objections to the grant of a licence; and
  • Immigration officers are permitted to enter premises which they have reason to believe are being used to sell alcohol or provide late night refreshment, to investigate whether immigration offences are being committed in connection with the licensable activity.

15.4 The licensing authority will have regard to any guidance issued by the Home Office in relation to the immigration related provisions now contained in the Licensing Act 2003.

15.5 The licensing authority will also work in partnership with the Home Office (Immigration Enforcement) and West Mercia Police with a view to preventing illegal working in premises licensed for the sale of alcohol or late night refreshment.

16.0 Enforcement and Complaints

16.1 Once licensed, it is essential that premises are maintained and operated so as to ensure the continued promotion of the licensing objectives and compliance with the specific requirements of the Licensing Act 2003. The licensing authority will monitor premises and take any appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance. Only complaints linked to a licensing objective will be investigated.

16.2 The licensing authority’s general approach to enforcement will be to target problem and high-risk premises which require greater attention, while providing a lighter touch for low risk premises or those that are well run. Principles of risk assessment and targeted inspections (in line with the recommendations of the Hampton review) will prevail and inspections will not be undertaken routinely but when and if they are judged necessary. This should ensure that resources are used efficiently and are more effectively concentrated on problem premises.

16.3 In most cases a graduated form of response will be taken to resolve issues of non-compliance, although it is recognised that in serious cases a prosecution or application for review are the appropriate means of disposal.

16.4 All decisions and enforcement actions taken by the licensing authority will be in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Enforcement Policy and the principles of consistency, transparency and proportionality set out in the Regulator’s Compliance Code.

16.5 The licensing authority will continue to employ officers to investigate allegations of unlicensed activities and to ensure that licence conditions are complied with, and will seek to work actively with West Mercia Police and other relevant partners in enforcing licensing legislation.

16.6 The licensing authority is happy to investigate complaints against licensed premises of any description. In the first instance, complainants will be encouraged to raise the complaint directly with the licensee or business concerned.

16.7 Where a person has made a complaint then the licensing authority may initially arrange a mediation meeting to try and address, clarify and resolve the issues of concern. This process will not override the right of any person to ask the licensing authority to review a licence or certificate or for any licence/certificate holder to decline to participate in a mediation meeting.

17.0 Integrating Strategies and Partnership Working

17.1 The Council regards its licensing function as the most appropriate tool in ensuring that the licensing objectives are promoted and will avoid, as far as is possible, any duplication with other regulatory regimes and legislation.

17.2 Licensing Committee, when appropriate, will be informed of relevant county
and local strategies. The report may include information relating to:

  • Local crime prevention strategies;
  • Needs of the local tourist economy;
  • Any cultural strategy for the area;
  • Employment issues in the area;
  • Any relevant planning matters so as to ensure the clear distinction between licensing and planning functions, and
  • Local relevant partnerships and their objectives.

18.0 Equal Opportunities

18.1 The Equality Act 2010 places a legal obligation on the licensing authority to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; to advance equality of opportunity; and to foster good relations, between persons with different protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

18.2 The licensing authority will look to discharge this duty by making arrangements where appropriate to provide information in a format that meet the requirements of those with special needs such as large type, audio information and information in foreign languages. Specific needs will be dealt with on an individual basis.

19.0 Administration, Exercise and Delegation of Functions

19.1 One of the major principles underlying the Licensing Act 2003 is that the licensing functions contained within the Act should be delegated to an appropriate level so as to ensure speedy, efficient and cost effective service delivery.

19.2 The licensing authority will be involved in a wide range of licensing decisions and functions and has established a Licensing Committee to administer them. Appreciating the need to provide an efficient service to all parties involved in the licensing process, the Committee has delegated certain decisions and functions and has established a number of Sub-Committees to deal with those matters.

19.3 In addition, it is expected that many of the decisions and functions will be largely administrative with no perceived areas of contention and, in the interests of efficiency and effectiveness, these are delegated to officers. Attached at Appendix A to this licensing policy is a table of delegated functions setting out the agreed delegation of decisions and functions to the Council’s Licensing Committee, Sub-Committees and officers.

19.4 These delegations are without prejudice to officers referring an application to a Sub-Committee or the Licensing Committee if considered appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

20.0 Relationship with Planning

20.1 Planning permission, building control approval and licensing regimes will be properly separated to avoid duplication and inefficiency. The planning and licensing regimes involve consideration of different (albeit related) matters. Licensing committees are not bound by decisions made by a planning committee, and vice versa.

20.2 There is no legal basis for the licensing authority to refuse a licence application because the relevant premises does not have planning permission, or where there are conditions on the relevant planning permission.

20.3 There are circumstances when as a condition of planning permission, a terminal hour has been set for the use of premises for commercial purposes. Where these hours are different to the licensing hours, the applicant must observe the earlier closing time. Premises operating in breach of their planning permission would be liable to prosecution under planning law.

21.0 Temporary Event Notices

21.1 The Licensing Act 2003 provides for certain occasions when small scale events (for no more than 499 people at a time and lasting for no more than 168 hours) do not need a licence providing that advance notice is given to the licensing authority, police and environmental health. The police and environmental health can only object to a Temporary Event Notice if the event is likely to undermine the licensing objectives.

21.2 The law states that for a standard temporary event notice, at least ten working day’s notice must be given but the licensing authority recommends that, wherever possible, at least two month’s notice be given to hold these events, to allow it to help organisers plan their events safely. Any longer period than this may mean that organisers do not have all the details available at the time of submitting the notice, and any lesser time means that planning may be rushed and haphazard.

21.3 Organisers of temporary events are strongly advised to contact the licensing authority for advice at the earliest opportunity when planning events. Where necessary discussions will be held with the police to avoid any unnecessary objections being made that may arise from misunderstandings or confusion as to what is being proposed.

21.4 Since 25 April 2012 it has been possible for individuals to serve a very limited number of “late” temporary event notices each year, providing that these are served on all relevant parties at least five working days before the day on which the event is due to begin.

21.5 However event organisers should be aware that a late temporary event notice can be prevented by a single objection from the police or environmental health and there is no right to a hearing in such circumstances.

21.6 Therefore late temporary event notices should normally only be served in exceptional circumstances, such as when an event has to be postponed and rearranged at short notice due to adverse weather conditions. The licensing authority does not expect late temporary event notices to be served simply on the basis that the event organiser has been disorganised in addressing the licensing arrangements for their event.

22.0 Live Music Act 2012 and other Entertainment Licensing Deregulation

22.1 The Live Music Act 2012 came into force on 1st October 2012 and is designed to encourage more performances of ‘live’ music. The Act removes the licensing requirements for:

  • amplified ‘live’ music between 8am and 11pm before audiences of no more than 200 people on premises authorised to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises
  • amplified ‘live’ music between 8am and 11pm before audiences of no more than 200 people in workplaces not otherwise licensed under the 2003 Act (or licensed only for the provision of late night refreshment)
  • unamplified ‘live’ music between 8am and 11pm in all venues
  • the provision of entertainment facilities

22.2 Where licensable activities continue to take place on premises any licence conditions relating to ‘live’ music will be suspended, but it will be possible to impose new, or reinstate existing, conditions following a review.

22.3 When considering whether an activity constitutes the provision of regulated entertainment each case will be treated on its own merits. There will inevitably be a degree of judgement as to whether a performance is live music or not, so organisers are encouraged to check with the licensing authority if in doubt.

22.4 There was a further deregulation of entertainment licensing in June 2013 when the Licensing Act 2003 (Descriptions of Entertainment) (Amendment) Order 2013) came into force on 27 June 2013. The effect of the order is that no authorisation is required for the following activities to the extent that they take place between 08:00-23:00 on any day:

  • a performance of a play in the presence of any audience of no more than 500 people
  • an indoor sporting event in the presence of any audience of no more than 1000 people
  • a performances of dance in the presence of any audience of no more than 500 people

22.5 Entertainment licensing requirements were further deregulated as a result of the Legislative Reform (Entertainment Licensing) Order 2014, which came into force on 6 April 2015.

22.6 The 2014 Order deregulated entertainment licensing in the following ways:

  • The provision of regulated entertainment by or on behalf of local authorities, health care providers, or schools on their own defined premises became exempt from entertainment licensing between 08.00-23.00 on the same day, with no audience limit.
  • The audience limit for a performance of live amplified music in relevant alcohol licensed premises or in a workplace between 08.00-23.00 on the same day was raised from 200 to 500.
  • Local authorities, health care providers and schools are now exempt from entertainment licensing when making their own defined premises available to third parties for live and recorded music activities between 08:00-23:00 on the same day for audiences of up to 500.
  • Community premises not licensed to supply alcohol are now exempt from entertainment licensing requirements for live and recorded music between 08:00-23:00 on the same day for audiences of up to 500.
  • Travelling circuses are now exempt from entertainment licensing in respect of all descriptions of entertainment, except an exhibition of a film or a boxing or wrestling entertainment, where the entertainment or sport takes place between 08:00-23:00 on the same day, with no audience limit.
  • Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling are now deregulated between 08:00-23:00 for audiences of up to 1000 people.
  • An exhibition of film that is incidental to another activity (where that other activity is not itself a description of entertainment set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the 2003 Act) is exempt now from licensing.

22.7 The exhibition of films in community premises has also been deregulated as a result of section 76 of the Deregulation Act 2015.

22.8 No licence is required for an exhibition of film on community premises between 08:00 and 23:00 on any day provided that:

  • the film entertainment is not provided with a view to profit;
  • the film entertainment is in the presence of an audience of no more than 500 people;
  • the admission of children is subject to such restrictions as are necessary to comply with the recommendation issued by the BBFC or relevant licensing authority regarding the admission of children; and
  • a person concerned in the organisation or management of the exhibition of the film has obtained the prior written consent of the management committee of the premises, or if there is no management committee, a person who has control of the premises in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking, or failing that a person with a relevant property interest in the premises.

23.0 Sexual Entertainment Venues

23.1 The Council may adopt a policy in relation to sex establishments, including sexual entertainment venues under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009. This policy may include standard conditions attached to such licences. Where there are similar conditions attached to licences under both regulatory regimes, the more onerous will apply.

23.2 There is an exemption under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 that allows premises to provide sexual entertainment no more than 11 times per year and no more frequently than monthly. Any concerns related to the provision of occasional sexual entertainment may still lead to a review of the relevant premises licence or club premises certificate and the imposition of conditions.

23.3 Any premises that wants to provide sexual entertainment under the exemption must still be authorised under the Licensing Act 2003 for the performance of dance and the playing or recorded music.

24.0 Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Orders (EMROs)

24.1 The power to introduce an EMRO enables a licensing authority to prohibit the sale of alcohol for a specified time period between the hours of 12am and 6am in the whole or part of its area, if it is satisfied that this would be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

24.2 EMROs are designed to address recurring problems such as high levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder in specific areas at specific times; serious public nuisance; and other instances of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour which is not directly attributable to specific premises.

24.3 Before introducing an EMRO the licensing authority must be satisfied that it has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that its decision is appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives. This requirement will be considered in the same manner as other licensing decisions, such as the determination of applications for the grant of premises licences. The licensing authority will consider evidence from partners, including responsible authorities and local Community Safety Partnerships, alongside its own evidence, to determine whether an EMRO would be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

24.4 The licensing authority will normally only consider the use of EMROs as a last resort in dealing with recurring problems and will always consider the potential burden that would be imposed on premises licence holders as well as the potential benefits in terms of promoting the licensing objectives.

24.5 It is recognised that there are other measures that could be taken instead of making an EMRO which include:

  • introducing a special policy on cumulative impact;
  • reviewing licences of specific problem premises;
  • encouraging the creation of business-led best practice schemes in the area; and
  • using other mechanisms set out in the Secretary of State’s Guidance to Licensing Authorities under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

24.6 The licensing authority is not currently satisfied that it is appropriate to make any EMROs.

25.0 Late Night Levy

25.1 The late night levy is a power, conferred on licensing authorities by provision in Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. This enables licensing authorities to charge a levy to persons who are licensed to sell alcohol late at night in the authority’s area, as a means of raising a contribution towards the costs of policing the late-night economy.

25.2 The levy is a power and the Government has recognised that some licensing authorities will not consider that it is appropriate to exercise it.

25.3 At the present time this licensing authority does not have a large number of premises which are licensed to sell alcohol during the late night supply period.

25.4 The decision to introduce the levy is for the licensing authority to make. However the licensing authority will keep the need for a levy under review in consultation with the chief officer of police and police and crime commissioner (“PCC”) for the police area.

25.5 When considering whether to introduce a levy the licensing authority notes that any financial risk (for example lower than expected revenue) rests at a local level and this will be fully considered prior to making any decision about local implementation.

25.6 The licensing authority will decide whether or not it believes it has a viable proposal to introduce the levy before incurring the costs of the formal consultation process.

25.7 If the licensing authority decides to give further consideration to the introduction of a levy in the future, it will do so in accordance with the relevant regulations and with reference to any relevant guidance issued by the Home Office.

25.8 Any decision to introduce, vary or end the requirement for the levy will be made by the full Council. Other decisions in relation to the introduction and administration of the levy would be delegated to the Licensing Committee.

26.0 Late Night Refreshment – Local Powers to Deregulate

26.1 Section 71 of the Deregulation Act 2015 inserted paragraph 2A into Schedule 2 of the Licensing Act 2003 in relation to the provision of late night refreshment.

26.2 This amendment created a discretionary power to licensing authorities to exempt premises in certain circumstances, from the requirement to have a licence to provide late night refreshment.

26.3 The powers allow a relevant licensing authority to exempt the supply of late night refreshment if it takes place:

  • on or from premises which are wholly situated in a designated area;
  • on or from premises which are of a designated description; or
  • during a designated period (beginning no earlier than 23.00 and ending no later than 05.00.

26.4 The licensing authority does not currently consider it appropriate to exercise the discretionary powers within paragraph 2A of Schedule 2 to the Licensing Act 2003.

26.5 If the licensing authority was going to consider exercising the powers in the future, it would only do so having careful considered the risks to the promotion of the licensing objectives and having carried out a comprehensive consultation exercise with relevant stakeholders.

27.0 Suspension of Licences and Certificates for Non-Payment of Annual Fees

27.1 As a result of powers introduced under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the licensing authority must suspend premises licences and club premises certificates if the holder of the relevant authorisation fails to pay their annual fee.

27.2 However, this does not apply immediately if the payment was not made before or at the time of the due date because of an administrative error, or because the holder disputed liability for the fee before or at the time of the due date. In either of these cases, there is a grace period of 21 days. This period will be used by the licensing authority to contact the licence or certificate holder in attempt to resolve the dispute or error. If the dispute or error is not resolved during this 21-day period, the licence or certificate will be suspended.

27.3 When suspending a licence of certificate a notice of suspension will be given in writing to the licence or certificate holder. The police and any other relevant responsible authorities will also be notified of the suspension at the same time.

27.4 A premises licence or certificate that has been suspended does not have effect to authorise licensable activities. However, it can for example be subject to a hearing or, in the case of a premises licence, an application for transfer. The licence will nevertheless only be reinstated when the outstanding fee has been paid. Formally, the debt is owed by the holder who held the licence at the time it was suspended. However, it may be more likely in practice that the new holder will actually make the payment.

27.5 Once payment has been received a written acknowledgement will be given to the licence/certificate holder and the suspension will be lifted. The police and any other relevant responsible authorities will be notified that the suspension has been lifted at the same time.

 

Appendix A - Table of Delegated Functions
Matter to be dealt with Full Committee Sub Committee Officers

Application for personal licence

 

If the police or Home Office  give an objection notice

If no objection notice is given by the police or Home Office.

Decision whether to suspend or revoke a personal licence

 

All cases

 

Application for premises licence/club premises certificate

 

If relevant representations are made

If no relevant representations are made or all representations made are withdrawn

Application for provisional statement

 

If relevant representations are made

If no relevant representations are made or all representations made are withdrawn

Application to vary premises licence/club premises certificate

 

If relevant representations are made

If no relevant representations are made or all representations made are withdrawn

Application to vary designated personal licence holder

 

If the police or Home Office give an objection notice

If no objection notice is given by the police or Home Office.

Application for the mandatory alcohol condition under the Licensing Act 2003 requiring a Designated Premises Supervisor in respect of a premises licence to be disapplied

 

If a police representation is made

All other cases

Decision whether to consult other responsible authorities on minor variation application

 

 

 

All cases

Determination of minor variation application

 

 

 

All cases

Request to be removed as designated premises supervisor

 

 

All cases

Application for transfer of premises licence

 

If the police or Home Office give an objection notice

If no objection notice is given by the police or Home Office.

Application for interim authority

 

If the police or Home Office give an objection notice

If no objection notice is given by the police or Home Office.

Application to review premises licence/club premises certificate

 

All cases

 

Decision on whether a complaint or objection is irrelevant, frivolous, vexatious etc

 

 

All cases

Decision for licensing authority to act in their capacity as a responsible authority

 

 

All cases

Acknowledgement of receipt of a temporary events notice

 

 

All cases

Determination of a police or environmental health objection to a temporary event notice

 

All cases

 

Decision to suspend a licence or certificate for non-payment of the annual fee.

 

 

All cases

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