Background
The Licensing Act 2003 requires Guildford Borough Council, as the licensing authority, to carry out a formal review, consultation and republication of its Statement of Licensing Policy every three years. This is the first such review.
The republished policy will then set out the principles that we will generally apply to promote the licensing objectives when making decisions on applications for licences made under the Act for the subsequent three years.
The Act enables the targeting of premises which are causing problems within our community, and a much lighter touch for those businesses and community activities which enhance people’s lives by providing worthwhile opportunities for the enjoyment of leisure time.
Similarly, in terms of enforcement, the licensing authority has focused on the premises failing in terms of the licensing objectives, with other businesses left to go about their legitimate activities without unnecessary interference.
The Council has also encouraged much greater scope for the development within the communities of live music, dancing and theatre. The Council holds its own licences for, 4 open spaces within the Borough to help facilitate this.
We now want your views in further developing this local policy, which determines how licences under the Act are issued.
When?
The current consultation is taking place before the Policy can be revised and republished.
The timetable for this is as follows:
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21 September 2007 (consultation period ends)
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4 October 2007 (report on feedback from consultation process is presented to Executive Committee for acceptance and recommendation to Council.)
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11 October 2007 (new Policy presented to full Council for adoption)
Who?
Prior to determining our initial policy under the Licensing Act we were required to consult with:
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The chief officer of Police, and representatives of other enforcement agencies
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The Fire & Rescue authority and associated services
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Local licence holders, breweries & pub companies
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Local residents (through associations) and community groups
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Local business groups and retail organisations
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Religious organisations & Churches
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The health service and medical and addiction interest groups
The consultation exercise also included discussions with other internal council departments with areas of responsibility which impact upon licensing, such as:
It is therefore our intention to include these contacts in the review consultation process.
We will also be placing advertisements in the Surrey advertiser inviting comment.
How?
It is proposed that comments and views can be made by downloading the questionnaire below, or by contacting the Licensing department.
Licensing Policy Review Questionnaire [PDF] (15k)
Licensing policy statement - May 2007 [PDF] (335k)
Responses will be considered prior to the adoption of the revised Licensing Policy and feedback will be published by way of a Committee report.
Licensing
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk