Contact:
  • Licensing Services
  • Address:

    9-10 Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SN

  • E-mail:
    licensing@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 477531
  • Fax:
    01225 477596
  • Minicom:
     01225 477647
  • Page Updated:
    05/01/2008
  • Author:
    Lorna McCardle
A to Z Index

Licensing Act 2003

Statement of Licensing Policy

1  Introduction 

1.1  Bath and North East Somerset Council (the Council), is the Licensing Authority for Bath and North East Somerset under the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act). This means the Council is responsible for granting Premises Licences, Personal Licences and Club Premises Certificates, in respect of the sale and/or supply of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment. It is also responsible for receiving Temporary Event Notices.

1.2  The Licensing Authority aims to facilitate the development of a healthier  economy in Bath and North East Somerset that feels both safe and offers diverse cultural activities to enable a broad age range of people to enjoy themselves whilst at the same time improving the quality of life of residents and increasing the attractiveness of the area to visitors.

1.3  In partnership with other agencies and interested parties, the Council/Licensing Authority seeks to develop the area with a view to increasing the number of establishments, including coffee shops and bistros, which are open and available to the public in the evening.

1.4  It is hoped that realisation of this goal will reduce fear of crime including alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour and consequently encourage greater use of facilities throughout the district and in the evening by people of all ages and social groups.

1.5  The Act requires the Licensing Authority to publish a ‘Statement of Licensing Policy’ that sets out the policies the Licensing Authority will generally apply to promote the licensing objectives when making decisions on applications made under the Act.

1.6  Licensing is about regulating the carrying on of licensable activities on licensed premises by qualifying clubs and at temporary events within the terms of the Act.

1.7  Any conditions which are attached to the various authorisations will be focused on matters which are within the control of individual licensees and others in possession of relevant authorisations.  Accordingly, these matters will centre on the premises being used for licensable activities and the vicinity of those premises.

1.8  This ‘Statement of Licensing Policy’ has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Act and having regard to the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under Section 182 of the Act (the Guidance).

Back to contents list
Next section - 2 Purpose