Council implements new Statement of Licensing Policy 

Shropshire Council implemented its new Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003 on 1 April 2019, together with supporting guidance relating to premises licences operating schedules and premises plans.

The policy forms the Council’s mandate for managing local licensable activities and sets out the council’s position on local risks, and the expectations placed on applicants and licence holders to promote the four licensing objectives that form the cornerstone of the Act, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

The council is committed to supporting a vibrant, balanced and safe licensed trade.  It seeks to curtail the potential negative outcomes that can arise from licensable activities and the licensed economy by providing advice and guidance to support existing and prospective licence holders, including those with personal licences and temporary authorisations, and ensuring robust and enforceable licences are in place.

The policy strongly encourages partnership working between council services and other external agencies and organisations, including applicants, licence and notice holders, responsible authorities and local businesses and communities, in order to deliver responsibly managed and safe licensed premises.

There is a recognition that the evening and night-time economy is growing across a number of Shropshire market towns and that this policy has a key role in shaping and managing this growth.  Such growth can lead to the licensing objectives being undermined; however, the council recognises it is also important to understand the positive contribution that well-managed licenced premises bring in support of local businesses and the growth and prosperity of Shropshire’s economy.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services, said:

“The council is required to prepare a statement of the principles that will apply in exercising its functions under the Licensing Act during the next five years and to publish that statement. The council consulted on the policy with all responsible authorities as well as 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 the Licensing Act.”

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

“The preparation, consultation and publication process that has been undertaken is a legal requirement placed upon the council. However, this is not only about the council complying with its legal obligations. The policy and guidance are aimed at assisting all stakeholders to understand the council’s expectations in relation to the licensing of premises and events where licensable activities take place and to provide specific guidance to help applicants effectively demonstrate how they will promote the four licensing objectives, which is fundamental to ensuring compliance with the Act.”

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 council’s new policy will support both businesses offering these goods and services and our local communities and residents.”

The policy is available on the council’s website at: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/media/12345/statement-of-licensing-policy-2019-to-2024.pdf

Further information on any matters relating to the policy can be sought from the licensing team at licensing@shropshire.gov.uk or 0345 678 9026.