18  Licensing Hours

18.1  With regard to licensing hours the Licensing Authority will consider each case on its individual merits. 

18.2  The Licensing Authority recognises that fixed closing times in certain areas can lead to peaks of disorder and disturbance on the streets when large numbers of people tend to leave licensed premises at the same time.  Longer licensing hours regarding the sale of alcohol may therefore be considered as an important factor in reducing friction at late night food outlets, taxi ranks and other sources of transport in areas where there have already been incidents of disorder and disturbance.

18.3  The Licensing Authority will give due regard to the Guidance in relation to terminal hours and would not wish to inhibit the development of safe evening and night-time local economies. 

18.4  It is not intended that the Licensing Authority’s overall approach to licensing hours will include any form of zoning.  Experience in other areas shows that this can lead to the significant movement of people across boundaries in search of premises opening later, and puts greater pressure on communities than is necessary.

18.5  Shops, stores and supermarkets should generally be permitted to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises during the normal hours they intend to open for shopping purposes.  However, where relevant representations are substantiated in respect of individual shops, a limitation on licensing hours may be appropriate.

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