Views on Alcohol Licensing Policy
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is inviting people to help reshape its policy on alcohol and entertainment and late-night refreshment licensing.
The Council's current policy has been in place since January 2016 and must be reviewed and re-published by January 2021.
The Council has produced a revised draft policy, which sets out a framework for making fair and consistent licensing decisions around issues such as the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late-night refreshments.
It also reflects latest government guidance and changes in legislation, recent case law and experience gained by the licensing authority over recent years.
Local residents and businesses are now being encouraged to have their say on the draft policy as part of the public consultation launched this week.
Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member responsible for Area Management and Community Safety, said "We take our responsibility as the licensing authority for South Tyneside very seriously. It is extremely important that we get the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Policy right as it affects the whole community.
"We want as many people as possible to take the opportunity to express their views on the revised draft. We are also consulting with our partners including the police, the fire and rescue service and Pubwatch as well as the licensed trade and other local businesses."
The Council is statutorily bound to carry out its function under the Licensing Act 2003 with a view to promoting the four Licensing Objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder;
- Public safety;
- The prevention of public nuisance;
- The protection of children from harm.
The six-week consultation is running until 29 November 2020.
The draft policy can be viewed online on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay It can also be viewed at South Shields Town Hall where visitors will be required to follow the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Comments can be submitted via email licensing@southtyneside.gov.uk.
For further information, or to discuss the draft policy, contact the Council's Licensing Team on (0191) 424 7946.