Issue - meetings

To adopt the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory to adopt the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection introduced the report, and the following main points were highlighted:

• The Statement of Licensing Policy set out the approach the Licensing Authority would apply to promote the licensing objectives when carrying out its functions under the Licensing Act 2003;
• The authority was required to review, adopt and publish a Statement of Licensing Policy every five years, with the current review due by the end of January 2026;
• The Committee of the Licensing Authority had considered a draft revised policy on 22 May 2025 and agreed that consultation should be undertaken. Public consultation took place between 2 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, and responses were reviewed by the Committee on 9 September 2025, with amendments made where appropriate;
• The Policy Development Panel had recommended that 75% of windows facing retail areas remained free from signage, decoration or obstruction; and
• The final draft policy, attached at Appendix 2, was now being presented to Council for adoption and publication. Failure to adopt and publish the policy by the statutory deadline would leave the authority open to challenge against licensing decisions.

Members considered the report and made the following comment:

• The Chairman of the Policy Development Panel thanked the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and the Committee of the Licensing Authority for their consideration and inclusion of the recommendation from the Policy Development Panel, as noted above.

DECISION:

That the Statement of Licensing Policy be adopted and published by the statutory deadline.