At the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 16 November, members agreed to formally adopt the new Licensing Statement of Policy which will be used to make decisions on licence and notice applications made under the new Licensing Act 2003.
The policy forms a fundamental part of the decision making process for all applications made under the Act and will be effective for a three year period, unless any earlier revision is required.
The Licensing Act will change the way that businesses including pubs, nightclubs, take-aways and restaurants apply for licences to sell alcohol and late night refreshments as well as providing public entertainment facilities. It means that there will be a single system for licensing and St Edmundsbury Borough Council will be responsible for dealing with licensing functions for different activities.* The Act also aims to offer a more flexible and responsive system of regulation.
The policy aims to promote the four objectives of the Act which are to prevent crime and disorder, protect public safety, prevent public nuisance and protect children from harm. A copy of the Licensing Statement of Policy can be found at
www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk, under Licensing and Hiring. You can also view the document at public libraries and at Council offices in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. Alternatively, a printed copy can be sent on request by contacting the Licensing Services team on 01284 757103.
Before the new Act comes into effect, there will be a transitional period starting from 7 February 2005 which we expect to last for nine months. This will allow existing licence holders to apply to the council to convert their licence with existing terms and conditions.
ENDS
*Notes to editors
St Edmundsbury will be responsible for licensing of the following areas in the borough:
- Retail sale and supply of alcohol
- Performance of a play
- Exhibition of a film
- Indoor sporting events
- Boxing or wrestling events
- Performing live music
- Dancing
- Providing facilities for making music or dancing
- Supplying hot food or drink after 11pm until 5am
ISSUED BY MARIA STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033 email maria.staff@stedsbc.gov.uk
