Shropshire Council seeks views on Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2024

Shropshire Council, as the licensing authority for the Shropshire Council area, has commenced a consultation process on its Statement of Licensing Policy under provisions contained in the Licensing Act 2003.

Joyce Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, waste, and regulatory services, said:

“The council is required to prepare a statement of the principles that it proposes to apply in exercising its functions under the Licensing Act during the next five years and to then publish that statement.”

As part of the process the council will be consulting on a general basis, but in particular with all responsible authorities under the Licensing Act and organisations who represent the interests of persons carrying on licensable activities, and organisations who represent persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the council’s functions under this Act.

Frances Darling, trading standards and licensing operations manager, said:

“The preparation, consultation and publication process that is being undertaking is a legal requirement placed upon the council. However, this is not only about the council complying with its legal obligations. This is a genuine opportunity for all stakeholders to make their views known, and I encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next 10 weeks.”

Keith Roberts, Chair of the council’s Strategic Licensing Committee, 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 these objectives to make their views known as soon as possible, and clearly to do so before the consultation period ends.”

The consultation period closes at midnight on Sunday 2 September 2018. The draft ‘Statement of Principles’ is available to view at https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/statement-of-licensing-policy-2019-2024/

All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, the licensing team at:-

email: licensing@shropshire.gov.uk

Telephone: 0345 678 9026

Post: Trading Standards and Licensing, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND.