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Licensing consultation

image of beersThe Licensing Act 2003 introduces a requirement for all local authorities to set out their policy in respect of licences for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment. The aims of the new legislation are to:-

  • Reduce crime and disorder
  • Encourage tourism
  • Reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation on business

There are approximately 950 licensed premises on the Island where alcohol is sold or entertainment provided on a regular or occasional basis. Pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, off-licences, hotels, guest houses, stores and superstores, cinemas, theatres, village and community halls, and premises (including vehicles) selling hot food and hot drinks between 11.00pm and 5.00am will all be affected by the new arrangements. One important aspect of the Licensing Act 2003 provisions is the abolition of national operating times for selling alcohol. It is proposed that licensable activity operating times will only be set, if necessary to secure the licensing objectives, which are:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • The protection of children from harm

The Council, who will be responsible for granting licences under the new powers, must widely consult and prepare a licensing policy by the 7th February 2005. The policy will be used to determine the approach the Council adopts to licence applications, renewals and variations.

The Council are currently consulting a range of specific statutory and other organisations required by the Act, including all existing licence holders. As part of the consultation process the council will shortly be arranging a number of local road shows to explain the Council’s draft licensing policy and seek comments. It also welcomes views on its draft policy from any person or organisation involved in the sale of alcohol or providing entertainment or late night refreshments or anyone affected by those activities, e.g. local residents groups.

The Draft Licensing Policy is now available as a pdf document. (Please note: pdf documents may take a while to download over a standard 56K modem. If you do not have a version of acrobat reader - this can be downloaded via our downloads section.)

If you are unable to download the policy we will be happy to post you a copy.

The Council will be pleased to receive your views on the Draft Policy no later than 1 November 2004. You can do this by E-mail to licensing@iow.gov.uk or writing to us at the address below. Comments on the Draft Licensing Policy should be addressed to:-

Licensing Officer
Licensing Section
Environmental Health
St. Nicholas
58 St. Johns Road
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 1LT
Tel 01983-823152

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