Consultation on the Licensing Act 2003 - 26 October 2004

This consultation has now closed and these pages are provided for information only.

The Licensing Act 2003 made changes to the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment and the supply of hot food from takeaways. It also brought with it, a new system which means that all applications for Licences must now be made to the local Council and NOT to the Magistrates Court.

The ‘Time Out’ consultation was completed on 26 October 2004.  The feedback and views we have been given will be extremely valuable as evidence in deciding how we deal with future licensing applications in Thanet.

The Licensing Team thanks everyone who took part in the Council’s consultation on the new Legislation.

The views of local people, groups and associations, young people and stakeholders in the licensing industry were sought.

During the 12 week period of consultation around 2,500 questionnaires were distributed.  The Licensing Team were out and about at Supermarkets, events and Town Markets across Thanet to talk to members of the public. They were also delighted to be asked to go to individual groups and associations to discuss the changes and to gather views on our draft policy.

Young people and stakeholders in the licensing industry were also consulted at a specially arranged workshop and conference.

Broadly, the results of our consultation show:

• The majority of people go to pubs, clubs/restaurants on Friday/Saturday evening
• Most people will drink at the same time despite longer opening hours
• Most people, despite longer opening hours will drink the same amount.
• Pubs closest to your home should close at 11pm or midnight, even at weekends and bank holidays
• People in the neighbourhood of pubs, clubs and restaurants are disturbed by different levels of noise, especially on Friday/Saturday nights
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants should turn off live amplified music at 11 pm Monday-Thursdays and by midnight at weekends/bank holidays
• People hanging around and making noise outside takeaways was not identified as a problem
• People are concerned about average/poor or non existent Public Transport (taxis, buses, trains) after midnight
• People are concerned about under-aged people buying alcohol, about people hanging around and drinking outside, about others buying alcohol for under aged people at their local off licence#

Licensing Policy Statement was produced following the consultation. See Licensing

Further information