Statement of Licensing Policy

Thanet District Council

Enforcement

1.24  The Council delivers a wide range of enforcement services aimed at safeguarding the environment and the community and at providing a ‘level playing field’ on which  businesses can fairly trade. The administration and enforcement of the licensing regime is one of these services. The Council has adopted the principals of the Government’s Enforcement Concordat designed to ensure effective and efficient public protection services. Specifically, the Council is committed to accord with the principles of good enforcement practice by carrying out its regulatory functions in a fair, open and consistent manner.

1.25  The Enforcement Concordat is based on the principles that businesses should:

• receive clear explanations from enforcers of what they need to do and by when; 
• have opportunities to resolve differences before enforcement action is taken - unless immediate action is needed;
• receive an explanation of their rights of appeal

1.26  The Licensing Authority recognises the interests of both individual citizens and the requirements of businesses and will work closely with partners to assist licence holders to comply with the law and the four licensing objectives it seeks to promote. However, proportionate but firm action will be taken against those who commit serious offences or persistently break the law. The Licensing Authority has set clear standards of service and performance that the public and businesses can expect. In particular, a licensing enforcement policy has been created that explains how the Council will undertake its role as Licensing Authority and how the principles of effective enforcement will be achieved. This policy is freely available from the Licensing Department as are details of the Council’s corporate complaints procedures. These documents can also be viewed on the Council’s website. See Enforcement Policy - Appendix 2

1.27  The Council has established protocols with Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent County Council Trading Standards on enforcement issues. These protocols provide for the targeting of resources towards high-risk premises and activities that require greater attention, while providing a lighter touch in respect of low risk premises that are well operated.

1.28  The principle of using a scoring scheme based on risk factors will normally prevail and proactive inspections will usually be undertaken in accordance with a priority inspection scheme. This should ensure that resources are more effectively allocated to higher risk or ‘problem premises’. Monitoring visits will also take place in and around premises.

See Enforcement Policy - Appendix 2

Next: Licensing Objectives

Back: Reviews

• 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