Members of the public are being asked for their views on Middlesbrough Council’s approach to licensing.
Under the 2003 Licensing Act Middlesbrough Council is required to draw up and publish its Statement of Licensing Policy.
The policy has a number of aims and objectives including preventing crime and disorder and pubic nuisance, protecting children from harm and promoting public safety.
Areas covered include the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of hot food and drink in the night-time economy.
The Council is required to refresh the policy at least every five years, and to keep it under review.
The eight-week consultation runs from today (Monday, July 1) to Monday, August 26, and members of the public and businesses are being urged to make their views known.
Key stakeholders affected by the alcohol and regulated entertainment licensing regulations will also be consulted.
In addition to the implementation of its revised Statement of Licensing Policy, the Council is also proposing to reintroduce two Cumulative Impact Areas covering Middlesbrough town centre and several ward areas across the town and has produced a Cumulative Impact Assessment to provide evidence to support its implementation.
A Cumulative Impact Assessment is required to provide evidence to show that the number or density of licensed premises in the area is having a cumulative impact and leading to problems which are undermining the licensing objectives.
This gives the Council greater control when determining licence applications in these areas.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “It’s all too easy to take Licensing for granted, but it plays a major role in keeping people safe, and keeping the town centre vibrant and viable.
“We’re required by law to set out our approach to licensing so members of the public and businesses have a clear understanding of how we apply the laws and regulations locally.
“As part of that it’s important that we understand their concerns and priorities to ensure we have a policy that meets their needs and expectations, and that will stand the town in good stead over the coming years.
“I’d therefore urge as many people as possible to make their views known as part of this important process.”
• The consultation on Middlesbrough Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy runs from Monday, July 1 to Monday, August 26.
Anyone wishing to make a submission can access documents relevant to the consultation here: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/licensing-policy
