Statement of Licensing Policy

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the responsibility transfered from the Magistrates Courts to Thanet Council from 7 February 2005. The Act also means a more flexible system of licensing entertainment in public places and the sale of hot food at takeaways. Fixed licensing hours will effectively be removed and children will be allowed into licenced premises, if accompanied by an adult.

The new Act means that:

1. fixed licensing hours will effectively be removed
2. licences will be simplified and children will be allowed into licensed premises if accompanied by an adult
3. the leisure industry in the area could be affected, a late night or 24 hour economy may develop
4. questions may be raised over the need for late night public transport
5. for the first time you will be able to ask the council to review a licensed premises if you are disturbed by their activities

The Council, after consultation, published a licensing policy statement (which came into effect on the 7th January 2008), setting out how the Council intends to make decisions under the new Act.  

The policy aims to:

• Prevent crime and disorder
• Prevent public nuisance
• Protect public safety
• Protect children from harm

The policy takes into account the views of local people, businesses and licensed traders.

Licensing Policy Consultation

The Licensing Authority is required to review its policy every 3 years and make such revisions to it as are considered appropriate.

Next page: Introduction

• Statement of Licensing Policy
• Introduction
• Licences and planning permission
• Cumulative Impact
• Advice and guidance
• Consultation
• Reviews
• Enforcement 
• Licensing Objectives
• Prevention of Crime & Disorder
• Public Safety
• Prevention of Public Nuisance
• Protection of Children from harm
• Appendix 1 - Strategies
• Appendix 2 - Licensing Enforcement Policy
• Appendix 3 - Contact Details and Useful Addresses
• Appendix 4 - Delegation of Functions

Licensing Department

E-mail: licensing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577413