Public consulted on licensing review

09-JUN-10

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

The public and local businesses are being invited to help North Tyneside Council in a review of its licensing policy.

Like every council North Tyneside has responsibility - under the 2003 Licensing Act - for issuing alcohol licences and entertainment licences including those for indoor sporting events, dances and plays and late night events. Since the original policy was produced nearly 2000 licences and certificates have been issued.

It must produce a Statement of Licensing Policy to reflect the balance between the commercial interests of the licensed trade, the communities they serve, and the impact on them.

The current Statement of Licensing Policy came into force in January 2008, and the council is now in the process of reviewing and revising their current statement, which will guide licensing decisions

Residents and businesses have until 27 August 2010 to comment on the draft document which is available on the council's website and at libraries.

Copies of the statement can also be obtained from Joanne Lee Licensing, North Tyneside Council, Harvey Combe, Killingworth, NE12 6UB.

Written responses must be received at the above address by 5pm on 27 August 2010.

North Tyneside Council has a licensing committee - made up of councillors - which considers licensing matters and uses the Statement of Licensing Policy to inform its decision making

Licensing committee will always have to take account, when making its decisions of:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- Prevention of public nuisance
- Protection of children from harm.

But it also has to consider issues such as the views of the public, promoting the culture of music dancing and performing arts and encouraging investment in the borough.