Watford Borough Council has launched a public consultation on a review of the licensing policy...
Watford Borough Council wants to hear from local residents, licence holders, schools and other public authorities and stake holders in the town on licensing policy in the borough.
Click here to complete the survey
Under the Licensing Act 2003, local authorities are responsible for the licensing of alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment (i.e. hot food served between 11pm and 5am) in England. This includes issuing of personal licences, premises licences and club premises certificates. The Act has four licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm.
The council are particularly interested in views on the Cumulative Impact Policy, which form parts of the overall policy and aims to discourage alcohol-led premises within the town centre. This, in effect, is encouraging restaurants, cafes, food establishments and venues offering entertainment.
This approach is based upon evidence obtained from the Police with regards to the number of alcohol-related offences committed within the town centre. The council’s existing cumulative impact policy was adopted in April 2021 and must be reviewed by April 2024. It is proposed to renew and maintain this policy and this consultation is seeking views on this approach.
Councillor Richard Wenham, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “The policy gives us the opportunity to make sure we can do everything we can to protect our residents and help our licensed businesses across the borough operate safely and within the law. It sets out our expectations of licensed premises within the town centre and is a tool to help us achieve our vision of the town centre.”
Click here to complete the survey
The deadline to complete the survey is 16 February 2024.
