Agenda item

Report of the Director of Law and Governance.

The Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance, which sought approval to consult on the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031 under the Licensing Act 2003.  A copy of the revised Policy was appended to the report.

It was noted that the report was also to be considered by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee at its meeting scheduled for 5^th August 2025.

The report indicated that, under the terms of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) has to be renewed every five years.  The current SLP came into effect on 16^th March 2021 and, therefore, a review must be completed.  There is also a requirement for the Council to publish and advertise the revised SLP at least 4 weeks before it comes into effect, in this instance by 16^th February 2026.

The SLP will be relevant for all licensing decisions taken by the Council as the Licensing Authority over the five year period, commencing on 16^th March 2026.

The general principles of the SLP remain the same and the document is centred around the Licensing Act’s four licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder; promotion of public safety; prevention of public nuisance; and protection of children from harm.

Before amending the Policy for a further five-year period, licensing authorities are required to carry out a wide consultation process.  In addition to those it must consult by law, the Council has authority to include in the process any individuals or organisations it deems appropriate.

Statutory consultees include West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, Planning, Environmental Health, Safeguarding Children Board, HM Revenue and Customs and Community Safety and Public Health. 

The public consultation exercise will begin on the 12^th August 2025, for an 8-week period finishing on the 7^th October 2025.  The consultation will include mailshots to representatives of the licensed trade, clubs and key partners; formally writing to the Chief Officers of the statutory consultees; mailshots to businesses and organisations; and wider public consultation through the City Council’s website.

The report indicated that the revised SLP complies with updated guidance and regulations and has been developed with all 6 Warwickshire Licensing Authorities (Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford and Avon District Council and Warwick District Council), although each authority has adapted the Policy to suit the needs of their area and profile.

The key changes within the revised policy included to:

·  Paragraph 8.11 – amended to include website links for drink spiking, violence against women and girls, serious youth violence and counter terrorism.

·  Paragraphs 8.38 and 8.39 – added to include considerations relating to child exploitation.

·  Paragraph 11.1 – amended to include best practice schemes.

·  Section 16 – added to include environmental best practice in Licensed Premises.

RESOLVED that, the Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy and authorised the Director of Law and Governance to carry out the consultation as detailed within the report.