Statement of Licensing Policy

Thanet District Council

Licensing Objectives

2.1   The following sections set out the Licensing Authority’s Policy relating specifically to the four licensing objectives:

•     The prevention of crime and disorder
•     Public safety
•     The prevention of public nuisance
•     The protection of children from harm

Conditions will be drawn from the relevant Model Pools of Conditions set out in Annex D of the Guidance issued under S182 of the Licensing Act 2003.  It may be necessary to impose Conditions not in the Model Pool when appropriate. Each case will be considered on its merits.

2.2   In each section relating to the objectives, the Licensing Authority has defined its intended outcome (in bold type). Each section then lists the factors that would influence the achievement of that objective but, because of the wide variety of premises and activities to which this policy applies, the lists provided are not exhaustive. Applicants know their premises best and will be expected to address all aspects relevant to the individual style and characteristics of their premises and events.

2.3   Further, in each section, a list of possible control measures is provided, to be of assistance to applicants, but again is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Many control measures achieve more than one objective but have not necessarily been listed under each objective. Applicants will not be required to mention a control measure more than once in their operating schedule.

2.4   The Licensing Authority will expect the selection of control measures, referred to in 2.3 above, to be based upon a risk assessment of the premises, events, activities and the customers expected to attend (e.g. their age, number, etc.). Whilst the Licensing Authority may not require such risk assessments to be documented, (other than where required by other legislation), it considers such documentation to be good practice and a useful tool in the instruction and training of staff.  It is also a sound basis for review by the licence holder, in the event of an application for variation or a response to changing circumstances/conditions at the premises being required.

2.5   Additional measures may be necessary on a specific basis such as when a special event (e.g. popular live band) or promotion (e.g. during major sporting occasions) is planned, which is intended to, or likely to attract larger audiences and/or audiences of a different nature, and which can have a significant impact on the achievement of the licensing objectives.

2.6   The Licensing Authority considers the effective and responsible management of the premises, instruction, training and supervision of staff and the adoption of best practice to be amongst the most essential control measures for the   achievement of all the licensing objectives.

2.7   Occupancy capacity for premises may be a relevant factor in achieving the four licensing objectives.

2.8   The design and layout of premises are important in determining capacity, as is the availability and size of exits within recommended travel distances. Other factors should also be considered when assessing the appropriate capacity for premises or events. These might include:

•    The nature of the premises or event
•    The nature of the licensable activities being provided
•    The provision or removal of such items as temporary structures, such as a stage, or furniture
•    The number of staff available to supervise customers both ordinarily and in the event of an emergency
•    The customer profile (e.g. age, disability)
•    The attendance by customers with disabilities
•    Availability of suitable and sufficient sanitary accommodation
•    Nature and provision of facilities for ventilation

Next: Prevention of Crime and Disorder

Back: Enforcement

• 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