|
Babergh District Council is inviting members of the public and relevant businesses to inspect its draft "Statement of Licensing Policy". The document, which Babergh is required to produce under the new Licensing Act 2003, forms a fundamental part of the decision making process for all licence applications and notices, including those of pubs and clubs.
The Act introduces a new system of licensing for premises carrying out licensable activities, persons selling or supplying alcohol, premises providing late night hot food or drink, members clubs and temporary events. Any person or business involved in these activities, or resident in the vicinity of licensable premises, may be affected.
The policy has been written following the guidance from Central Government, and has been created by a partnership of all District and Borough Council’s in Suffolk and other responsible authorities. Once adopted this policy will be effective for a three year period (unless any revision is required).
There will be a six week consultation period during which time the draft policy document will be available for inspection. Babergh District Council is inviting responses to the document, and these can be made by written or electronic means. Representations should be received no later than Monday 27th September 2004. All responses received within this period will be considered by the Council and the policy may then be revised accordingly.
Identified consultees and persons previously registering an interest in being part of the consultation process will be receiving a copy of the draft policy shortly. Copies will also be made accessible from various community facilities around the District.
Babergh’s Licensing Officer, Lee Carvell said "The Council is very keen to involve those businesses and residents in the district likely to be affected by the new licensing laws, and hope they will take the opportunity to examine the draft statement of licensing policy and make relevant comments during the consultation period. The policy statement will be an instrumental part of how Babergh will determine licence applications and promote the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance and promoting public safety and the protection of children from harm. The views of local businesses and residents are a valuable part of this process."
If you wish to inspect the draft Statement of Licensing Policy and make any representations concerning its content a copy is available on Babergh’s website at www.babergh.gov.uk. Alternatively the policy document and consultation paperwork are available from the Main Reception of the Council’s Corks Lane HQ. If any person has any special requirements in accessing the policy they should contact the Council accordingly on 01473 822801 or e-mail LicensingSection@babergh.gov.uk.
|