Statement of Licensing Policy

Thanet District Council

Appendix 1 - Strategies

The Licensing Authority in seeking to promote the 4 licensing objectives will also ensure the active promotion throughout the District, both in public and private locations and premises, of live music and dance and all other art forms covered by the new 2003 Licensing Act.

In considering any Licensing Policy, the Licensing Authority must take note of the National Alcohol Reduction Strategy and other relevant local or national health and social policies as developed (in conjunction with the Primary Care Trust etc).

The Licensing Authority will welcome pre-application discussions and the following matters should be considered, which may help and inform the decision-making process. Pre-application discussion may relate jointly to licensing and planning considerations.

The Licensing Authority has established a Licensing Forum, to which all Licensees and prospective Licensees will be invited. This Forum will meet on a quarterly basis.

An annual open meeting is also proposed to allow residents to discuss with the Licensing Authority any matters relating to the matters under the Licensing Act 2003.

Transport

• Transport from and between venues, particularly late at night, is a major problem and can cause disturbance to local residents.
• Late night bus and train services into and within the District are virtually non-existent. This leaves taxis/private hire as the main method of ‘public’ transport, apart from private vehicles.
• This lack of transport creates a situation where there is increased footfall, particularly within the seafront areas of Margate, Ramsgate and the central areas of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, with ensuing disturbance to local residents. It also disenfranchises people who live in the rural areas from potentially enjoying the entertainment facilities in the urban areas, and also acts as a barrier to non-residents coming into the District.

The incorporation of measures for ensuring the safe and swift dispersal of patrons away from premises and events without causing nuisance or public safety concerns to local residents is vital in seeking approval for the Premises Operating Schedule by the Licensing Authority.

Temporary Events organisers, particularly in respect of temporary premises licences will be expected to make appropriate arrangements for transport and traffic management with both the Police and Licensing Authority prior to the event.

Pedestrian Movements

The Licensing Authority will work closely with landowners, premises owners, Designated Premises Supervisors and others through individual contact and the Licensing Forum to ensure that patrons and the public in both urban and rural areas are safe when moving by foot to, from and about licensed premises.

Within the 3 primary urban areas in the District, which have a concentration of residential occupancy in the centre, a lot of patron movement is on foot. This causes problems and concerns, particularly in regard to public nuisance, public safety and crime and disorder. Quality of life issues related to the behaviour of patrons, either moving between venues or after closing times has a major effect on local residents. There is a conflict between the rights and needs of residents and patrons, who walk down often narrow residential streets late at night.

Issues to be considered:

• The primary objective to disperse patrons from premises, particularly at closing times, safely and swiftly with as little disturbance to local residents as possible.
• Designated pedestrian routes away from sensitive residential areas – “Safe routes”.
• Improved and effective street lighting 
•  Increased coverage of areas by CCTV, both commercial (internal and external) and the Council
•  Development of strategic routes, including strategically positioned catering facility and possibly mobile sanitary accommodation.

There will be a presumption against licences for the provision of late night refreshment (hot food/drink 2300 – 0500 hrs for consumption on or off premises) where these are either located in, or encourage people to move through ‘sensitive’ residential areas.

Street Scene and Public Spaces

Thanet District Council will be proposing to licence public open spaces within the District in its own name and then to permit organised events on this land as appropriate. This accords with the Licensing Authority policy of actively seeking to encourage and promote live music, dance, circus and street arts.

Working in partnership with landowners, licensees and other interested parties, the Licensing Authority will seek to maximise CCTV coverage in urban areas, incorporating any late night transport drop off points, and along transport routes.

The Licensing Authority will also seek to encourage all licensed premises in urban areas to be part of a:-

• CCTV network scheme
• Pubwatch
• Licensing Forum

There should be a proportionate level of street lighting to the relevant areas. The use of Litter Control Orders around certain premises will also be considered. Where there are a number of premises grouped in an area and where the sum total of patrons generates a need, additional public sanitary accommodation may be provided. As new initiatives are developed, these will be introduced through the Licensing Forum into the Licensing Policy.

Crime & Disorder and Public Nuisance and Safety

Licensed premises will be encouraged to communicate and meet regularly with adjoining and local residents to discuss problem areas.

There will be:

• Zero tolerance of non-prescribed drugs on licensed premises. Licensees and designated persons supervisor/owners will be expected to work with the Community Safety Partnership to consult over these problems to participate in the safer Community Partnership.
• Door Supervisors licensed by the Security Industry Authority where appropriate employed at late night premises based upon the Licensees’ risk assessment to ensure compliance with the four licensing objectives. The numbers and employment of Door Supervisors will be expected to be detailed according to the specification set out in the Operating Schedule.
• Concerning alcohol consumption in public open spaces and on the highway: the Council and the Police will pursue the enforcement of the Drinks byelaws and drinks designated controlled areas.
• Outlets with tables and chairs in the highway (holding an appropriate licence from TDC/ the Highways Authority) will be permitted (subject to planning permission) in various areas, particularly in the seafront areas of Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs.
• It will be expected that Operating Schedules will incorporate a commitment by businesses, owners, designated premises supervisors and others to enter into partnership with appropriate organisations to successfully reduce problems of crime and disorder on or emanating from their premises.

Next: Appendix 2 - Licensing Enforcement Policy

Back: Protection of Children from Harm

• 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

E-mail: licensing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577413