Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy 2016-2020 – Licensing Consultation

Overview

Introduction

Southwark Council is reviewing its alcohol licensing policy and we welcome feedback from all residents, businesses and partners on the changes we are proposing.  The licensing policy sets out how we will make licensing decisions, how new licensed premises are likely to be permitted to operate, and how the needs of residents and businesses will be addressed.

Why your views matter

What do we already know?

The Licensing Policy for Southwark is fully reviewed every five years, which is next scheduled for 2020.  However, the Council has a duty to keep its policy under review and to make such revisions to it at such times as it considers appropriate.  Therefore, we are taking a mid-term review, in this instance to do the following:
a) Address a number of matters that have arisen during application processes and hearings that require clarification within the published policy and
b) Update minor points such as the latest alcohol crime analysis figures.

What we do not know and need to find out more in detail?

The Council wishes seek your views on the following proposed changes to the Statement of Licensing Policy and will ask you to complete a question after each section indicating if you agree or disagree with that the change makes the Policy clearer.

The consultation should be read in conjunction with the draft policy, a copy of the draft policy with the proposed changes is available here:

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/assets/attach/7458/Amended%20Statement%20of%20Licensing%20Policy%20DRAFT%202016-2020%20V4.pdf

The proposed changes to the policy

We are proposing to make a number of changes to our licensing rules, which will apply to all new licensing applicants. These are designed to close perceived loopholes that mean the system currently doesn’t work as fairly or effectively as it should.  

What can be influenced by the public and what can be fixed?

The outcome of the consultation will support the Council’s decision making and assist in implementing changes to the existing policy for the interim period before the full review next year.

Context of statutory and legal obligations and Council policy

Any changes to the Southwark Licensing Policy must follow a statutory consultation.

Engagement and Consultation Plan

• The Licensing Act 2003 contains a list of who should be consulted a licensing
• The chief officer of police for the licensing authority’s area
• The fire and rescue authority for that area
• The Local Health Board
• Each local authority in England whose public health functions within the meaning of the National Health Service Act 2006 are exercisable in respect of an area any part of which is in the licensing authority's area
• Such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of premises licences issued by that authority
• Such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of club premises certificates issued by that authority
• Such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of personal licences issued by that authority, and
• Such other persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of businesses and residents in its area.

Clarification on Question 6

It is intended that question 6 should include all the proposed changes to the licensing hours, in sections 169 to 173 and table 2 - suggested closing times of licensed premises, of the draft policy document.

What happens next

Privacy Statement

• The Council is required to consult on the it’s Statement of Gambling Policy under the Gambling Act 2005.
• The information received will only be used for the purposes of this consultation and Licensing Team.
• Any personal data will be destroyed one year after the consultation is completed.
• Anonymised responses will be used in a published public document to report to the Licensing Committee and full Council Assembly.