Consultation commences on licensing policy

Shropshire Council, in its capacity as the licensing authority for the county, is advising stakeholders that a consultation process has commenced in respect of its proposed statement of licensing policy under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The council is required to prepare a statement of licensing policy that explains how it intends to exercise its functions under the Licensing Act during the next five years and to publish that statement.

There are four licensing objectives that underpin the Licensing Act and are the focus of the proposed policy; these are prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

The council will be consulting with West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Shropshire Council colleagues who deal with public health, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and other relevant health organisations, together with organisations that represent the interests of people running premises licensed for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment, and organisations that represent residents of Shropshire who may be affected by the policy.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“The preparation, consultation and publication process that we are undertaking is a legal requirement placed upon the council.  However, what we are doing is not only about the council complying with its legal obligations.  We genuinely want to hear the views of all stakeholders and encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next three months.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:

“The Licensing Act covers a number of activities that affect us all as we go about our daily lives.  From the bottle of wine that we buy at the supermarket to enjoy at the weekend, to the play that we go and see at the local village hall, to the drink we enjoy with friends at the local pub and the wide range of takeaways that we buy late at night.  It is hoped that the proposed policy will support both businesses offering these goods and services as well as our residents.

“I would encourage everyone who has any concerns that our proposed policy does not sufficiently support the four licensing objectives to make their views know as soon as possible and clearly to do so before the consultation period ends.”

The consultation period commenced on Monday 29 July 2013 and closes on Sunday 20 October 2013.  The draft statement of licensing policy is available to view here.   

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, Fiona Gee at:-

Email: licensing@shropshire.gov.uk

Telephone: 0345 678 9026

Post: Public Protection, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND.