Licensing Act 2003 – Consultation on draft licensing policy

West Lancashire Borough Council is inviting local people and businesses to comment on its draft Licensing Policy – the document that describes how the Council will continue to exercise its powers under the Licensing Act 2003.

From 1 August 2019 to 31 October 2019, the Council wants views on its draft policy to ensure it reflects the opinions of residents and all businesses – not just licensed premises – within the Borough.

All of the proposed changes are highlighted within the draft document, which include:

• Clearer definition of public nuisance to allow a wider context when considering contested applications;
• Substantive changes to the review provisions, which outline the options available as well as the expectations for licence breaches and / or criminal activity;
• The cumulative impact section of the draft document has been amended to ensure consistency with the available guidance.

The Council is writing to the police, fire service, members of the West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership, representatives of the licensed trade, residents’ groups and cultural organisations to get a wide range of views across the Borough. But to ensure our licensing policy remains a practical working document, it is essential that we get as much feedback from local people and business as possible.

This consultation will run until 31 October 2019 and all comments on the draft policy are welcome. 

Comments can be made by email at licensing.enquiries@westlancs.gov.uk or by post to West Lancashire Borough Council Licensing Service, Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale WN8 8EE.