Review of Licensing Policy
The Council in its capacity as Licensing Authority is required to undertake a statutory review of its Statement of Licensing Policy every three years.
However, Kingston Council has determined that it will review its licensing policy annually. The 2011 review of the policy is currently underway and a draft Licensing Policy has been published for consultation.
This year's review has resulted in a significantly revised policy document, reflecting the Council's changing decision making structure, the Government's Localism Agenda and the need to respond to trends in night time crime and disorder.
For the first time, the draft Policy introduces the concept of Neighbourhood Specific Policies, intended to ensure that relevant and necessary measures are taken into consideration by applicants seeking to set up or extend licensed businesses within a particular Neighbourhood, and to assist Licensing sub-committees when determining applications.
This approach recognises that more stringent controls may be necessary and appropriate in one area, but may not be so required in another.
Consultation period
The consultation period lasts from 6 June 2011 to 16 September 2011.
We would like to take this opportunity to invite your comments on the draft Licensing Policy, which can be viewed via the link below.
Copies of the draft policy are also available in local libraries or at the Guildhall Complex. Should you require a paper copy of the policy, please let us know using the contact details provided below.
How to comment
Comments can be made by email to licensing@rbk.kingston.gov.uk (please include “Policy Review” in the subject),
Or by writing to:
The Licensing Team
Environmental Health & Trading Standards
Guildhall 2
High Street
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1EU.
All comments made during the consultation period will be considered by members of the Council’s Licensing Committee at its next meeting on 13 October 2011. Once approved, the new Licensing Policy will come into effect on 1 January 2012.
Questions or queries
If you have any questions or queries regarding the draft policy, please contact the Licensing Team by email to licensing@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or leave a message with our contact centre on telephone number 020 8547 5002.