Draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031
Update: Our consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031 has now closed. We will be considering the results of the consultation and presenting any resulting amendments to the Licensing Committee in November, ahead of approval at Full Council in December. We will publish the new draft policy in January 2026.
Update: Our consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031 has now closed. We will be considering the results of the consultation and presenting any resulting amendments to the Licensing Committee in November, ahead of approval at Full Council in December. We will publish the new draft policy in January 2026.
We are seeking views on proposed changes to our Statement of Licensing Policy.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, all local councils must update and consult on any changes to their draft Statement of Licensing Policy every five years.
The policy sets out how licensed premises are expected to operate, and how applications are determined. It applies to any premises which sells or supplies alcohol, provides regulated entertainment, or sells hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am – such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, takeaways, off-licences and hotels.
The aim of the policy is to promote the four licensing objectives set out by the Licensing Act 2003, which are:
the prevention of crime and disorder
public safety
the prevention of public nuisance
the protection of children from harm
A consultation on the proposed changes will run for six weeks from Monday 6 October until 23:59 on Sunday 16 November.
All responses to the consultation will be considered and feedback will help to develop the final Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031.
You can read the full draft policy, a summary of the changes proposed, and a timetable of key dates on this page.
To take part in the consultation, please click 'Take survey' at the bottom of this page.
