SURVEY: Feedback on Updated Policy

Q1) Policy LP1 Premises Definitions (Page 11)

The council has a list of specific types of premises and business, which it uses to assist in decision making.

The proposal is to add the definition of ‘remote alcohol sales’ and to amend the definition of ‘entertainment venues’. Applications for remote alcohol sales have become popular since the Covid-19 pandemic and are businesses which offer alcohol for delivery and don’t allow customers to visit the premises to purchase alcohol. 

With regards to entertainment venues, the council wants to encourage entertainment venues and discourage pure alcohol-led premises and we are seeking to amend this description based upon entertainment venues which have started operating over the past few years.

Q2) Policy LP2 Location and Operation of Premises (Page 12)

The council has a table of recommended hours for different types of premises. In our existing policy we list recommended hours for pavement licences. 

It is proposed to remove any reference to pavement licences because these licences are dealt with under separate legislation and separate policies. 

It is also recognised that pavement licensing may be changing because of new legislation in the autumn. Any changes to premises definitions will also need to be reflected in this policy. 

It is proposed to that remote alcohol retailers will generally be granted to sell alcohol according to the application. It is not proposed to amend any other elements of this policy.

Q3) Policy LP2A Petrol Filling Stations (Page 14)

The council is not proposing any changes to our current policy apart from updating a reference to the statutory guidance.

Q4) Policy LP2B Circuses (Page 15)

The council is not proposing any changes to our current policy apart from clarifying that where an exemption from licensing is not obvious a decision will need to be made on a case-by-case basis.

Q5) Policy LP3 Cumulative Impact Policy (Page 16)

The cumulative impact policy applies to the High Street and The Parade in the town centre only. A more detailed review of the policy will occur in January 2024. The only proposal is to amend the policy to specify that the default position of the council can not be to refuse an application, which is line with the legislation and statutory guidance.

Q6) Policy LP4 Sensitive Licensing Areas (Page 19)

It is not proposed to amend this policy apart from updating the figures for licensed premises within the sensitive licensing areas. There are no proposals to either remove an existing area from the policy or add another area to this policy.

Q7) Policy LP5 Planning Permission (Page 21)

It is not proposed to amend this policy.

Q8) Policies concerning promotion of the licensing objectives (Pages 26-34)

This includes: Policy LP6 Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Policy LP7 Public Safety, Policy LP8 Prevention of Public Nuisance, Policy LP9 Protection of Children from Harm.

These policies set out what factors the council will consider under each of four licensing objectives. Licensing law states that any decision the council makes must be taken in consideration of the licensing objectives.

It is not proposed to substantially change this policy.

Q9) Policy LP10 Film Exhibitions (Page 34)

It is not proposed to amend this policy.

Q10) Policy LP11 Representations against applications (Page 35)

It is not proposed to amend this policy.

Q11) Policy LP12 Complaints against licensed premises (Page 37)

It is not proposed to amend this policy.

Q12) Policy LP13 Licence reviews (Page 38)

It is not proposed to amend this policy.