Revised Licensing Policy consultation 2024

Background

We are currently consulting on our updated Licensing Policy, which outlines what will be considered when businesses apply for permission to sell alcohol, carry out regulated entertainment such as live music, film or dancing or sell hot drinks and hot food between 11pm and 5am.

We are required by law to review our licensing policy at least every five years. The Policy only applies to new licensing applications, not existing licences.

We are also required to promote the four licensing objectives set out in the Licensing Act 2003, which are the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.

The policy aims to balance the need for licensed premises to thrive with the needs of people living in the local neighbourhood and ensuring residents nearby are not negatively impacted upon. This impact could be noise at particular times of the night; litter; or increased alcohol-related crime or hospital admissions. These proposals would not affect existing licences. They would only affect those making new licensing applications.

What we are consulting on

We are currently consulting on the revised Licensing Policy, which takes into account any changes in guidance and best practice. The Cumulative Impact Zone section of the Policy has also been updated.

Burnt Oak has been identified as an areas where there are already a large number of licensed premises and there is deemed to be a cumulative impact on local residents. This cumulative impact could mean noise at particular times of the night; litter; or increased alcohol-related crime or hospital admissions.

The data relating to the Cumulative Impact Zone (Burnt Oak) has also been updated to reflect up to date national and local statistics.

Your views are important to us

We want to give everyone the opportunity to have their say on the proposed policy before a decision is made. We want to hear from residents, current licence holders, licensing agents, solicitors, trade support organisations, and all other interested parties.

To find out more about the proposed changes please take a look at our revised Licensing Policy, all new updates are highlighted in yellow.

How to have your say:

Complete our online questionnaire

Please take the time review the updated policy and then complete our online questionnaire.

If you would like to request a paper questionnaire or another format, please:

• email licensingconsultation@barnet.gov.uk or telephone 020 8359 7443
• alternatively, you can write to us at Licensing Team, Commercial Premises, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London, NW9 4EW.

If you would like someone to help you complete the questionnaire or need more information, please contact us using one of the above methods.

What happens after the consultation closes

The Licensing Team will include the consultation findings and any comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in a report that will be put before the Licensing & General Purposes Committee in November 2024. In November's meeting the Committee will decide upon any proposed amendments to the revised Licensing Policy following the consultation. The revised Licensing Policy document will then pass to the Full Council Committee for final approval. The approved Licensing Policy will then be published on the Councils website.