New licensing policy published
News release dated 7 February 2008 about revisions to the Council's licensing policy.
A new licensing policy has been published by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council following a comprehensive review to give clearer guidance to applicants, objectors and interested parties on how the Council carries out its Licensing function, and the principles by which applications will be considered.
“Our policy aims to ensure a consistent approach on licensing matters whilst recognising both the needs of residents and licensed premises." (Cllr Mrs Joan Spiers, Executive Member for Enforcement) 
The policy has been updated to provide additional emphasis on important issues such as:
pre-consultation on licence applications
authorising the sale of alcohol
setting conditions on licences
rejecting applications
licence reviews
partnership and
effective interventions.
It also gives further clarity on the relationship between licensing and planning and enforcement.
Consistent approach
Cllr Joan Spiers, Executive Member for Enforcement, said: “We were required to produce our initial policy before the Licensing Act came into force. We now have the benefit of several years experience of implementation and have revised our policy to take this into account.
“Our policy aims to ensure a consistent approach is taken on licensing matters whilst recognising both the needs of residents for a safe and healthy environment to live and work in and the importance of well run retail and entertainment premises to the local economy.
“When putting together the new policy we took into account feedback from responsible authorities including Surrey County Council Trading Standards and Surrey Police; the Council’s Licensing and Overview and Scrutiny Committees; residents’ associations; and trade bodies such as the British Beer and Pub Association.”
The Council's Licensing Policy promotes the four Government licensing objectives:
the prevention of crime and disorder
public safety
the prevention of public nuisance and
the protection of children from harm.
The Council as the local Licensing Authority has a duty under the Licensing Act 2003 to produce, develop and review a licensing policy every three years.
More information about the Licensing Act 2003, which came into force in November 2005, is available on the Licensing pages (link) of Council’s website.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
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