Comments sought on reviewed licensing policy
Released: 30 July 2007
Wolverhampton residents are being invited to comment on an important document which outlines the city council’s licensing roles and responsibilities.
The city council is asking for opinions on its draft Statement of Licensing Policy which has undergone a three-yearly review as required by national legislation.
The statement focuses on the four statutory objectives which are promoted by the council when undertaking its duties under the Licensing Act 2003:
• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm
Under these objectives the statement gives details on areas such as the Licensing Committee; the general principles of the policy; the rights of applicants and those making representations, and licensing hours and conditions that may be attached to licences.
Councillor Bishan Dass, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “The Licensing Act 2003 requires licensing authorities, of which the city council is one, to prepare and publish their licensing policy every three years. The policy must be kept under review and the licensing authority must make such revisions as it considers appropriate.
“In developing our revised statement we have consulted with a range of people and organisations affected by the policy and would now like to hear from residents as it is important we seek the views of as many people as possible.”
People can comment on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy up until 5pm on Tuesday August 28 as part of a six-week consultation process which began on July 16.
The council would particularly like to hear comments on the following aspects of the document:
• Is the policy structured clearly and in a logical order?
• Is the information contained within the policy clear and informative?
• How could the layout/style of the policy be improved?
• Is there any other information which should be included and why?
• Is there any information included in the draft that should be removed? If so, why?
To view the proposed changes to the policy or the general content, see www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licensingreview. Copies of the policy are also available at Licensing and Support Services, Desk 14 in the Civic Centre; the Visitor Information Centre, Queen Square; Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street and Wolverhampton Central Library, Snow Hill.
To submit comments on the proposed changes to the policy or the general content go to www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licensingreview or e-mail licensing@wolverhampton.gov.uk. Alternatively write to Licensing and Support Services, Wolverhampton City Council, Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DA, or call 01902 556037 or 556036.
At the end of the consultation period all the comments will be compiled and amendments made as necessary. The draft policy will then be submitted with a report to the Licensing Committee and a meeting of the full Council later this year, before it is published early next year.
Issued by the press office.