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:
    15/01/2008
  • Author:
    Lorna McCardle
A to Z Index

Licensing Act 2003

Statement of Licensing Policy

33  Applications

33.1  Under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the Council/Licensing Authority has a duty to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in the area.  The fear of crime created by disorder, including drunkenness, is as damaging to public confidence and the quality of life as crime itself.  The Council’s Community Safety Plan aims to reduce crime, disorder, nuisance and the fear of crime, making Bath and North East Somerset a safer place to live, work and visit.

33.2  The Council has introduced measures to assist in this including the provision of community wardens and taxi rank marshals and the installation of CCTV cameras.  Joint working with the police is ongoing, and the Council would expect this partnership approach to be embraced by the licensing trade.  This would include participation in local radio link, Pub Watch, the street marshal scheme and other initiatives.       

33.3  The Licensing Authority will consider whether the grant of an application will result in an increase in crime and disorder.

33.4  The Licensing Authority recognises that no matter how well managed the premises are, crime and disorder can occur, particularly outside the premises. Therefore in considering whether the crime and disorder objective is met, the Licensing Authority will normally take into account the criteria set out below.

33.5  Applicants are encouraged to consider crime prevention procedures in their premises before making a formal application.  Applicants are encouraged to work in partnership with other licence holders in order to reduce crime and disorder in their area. 

33.6  The Licensing Authority will continue to play an active part in the development of  Pubwatch and other such schemes.

33.7  In considering licence applications, the following will be taken into account:

  • whether the design, layout, lighting and fittings of the premises have been considered with a view to restricting conflict and minimising opportunities for crime and disorder;
  • whether the applicant has included in the Operating Schedule appropriate management measures to prevent/reduce crime and disorder;
  • the training given to staff in crime prevention measures appropriate to those premises;
  • physical security features installed in the premises.  This may include matters such as the position of cash registers; where alcohol is stored in ‘off-licences’, or the standard of CCTV installed, and the use of toughened drinking glasses in pubs and clubs;
  • the likely exit times from the premises and the demands upon and the capacity of public transport at those times;
  • any other such measures as may be appropriate, such as participation in Pub Watch or other such schemes, ‘music wind-down policies’, restrictions on ‘happy hours’ and the availability of seating to discourage vertical drinking;
  • the measures employed to prevent the consumption or supply of illegal drugs, including any search procedures and entry policies;
  • where premises are subject to age-restrictions, the procedures in place to conduct age verification checks;
  • the likelihood of any violence, public order or policing problems if the licence is granted;
  • the applicant’s willingness to work in partnership with neighbouring licence holders in order to reduce crime and disorder;
  • the policy on cumulative impact.

33.8  The Licensing Authority would also recommend that all Designated Premises Supervisors undergo additional training and have experience commensurate with the nature and style of entertainment provided and capacity of the premises.

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Next section - 34 Inspection of Premises