Have your say on district’s alcohol licensing policy

The District Council is now consulting tax payers and businesses on its alcohol licensing policy and anyone can go to https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/LicensingConsultation to take part.

The closing date for comments is September 7, 2020 and comments can also be made by writing to Alcohol Licensing Policy, NKDC, Kesteven Street, Sleaford NG34 7EF or by emailing: [email protected]

Executive Board member with responsibility for licensing, Coun Mervyn Head said: “We really want to hear people’s views and find out what local people think. There have been important changes to licensing laws recently including measures to ensure that applicants for certain types of licences have the authority to work in the UK.

“Legislation has also been introduced which enables licensing authorities to consider options to suspend or revoke personal licences that have been issued by them.”

The council’s Alcohol Licensing Policy details the guidelines to be followed when licences are issued to businesses including pubs, nightclubs, late night takeaways and community premises.

The council has a duty to promote the four licensing objectives, which are:

○ The prevention of crime and disorder

○ Public safety

○ Prevention of public nuisance

○ Protection of children from harm

“All comments received will be considered when the alcohol policy is reviewed by the licensing committee before being recommended to the full council in December. This policy affects all businesses and residents in North Kesteven so we really do want to hear from as many people as possible,” said Coun Head.

“This is also a timely opportunity to remind those who are venturing out again into licenced premises to be aware of and anticipate changes in the way things operate, with potentially lower capacity in premises, the need to give contact details and the need to move in and around the premises differently to maintain safe distancing and protect others.

“It is a steep learning experience for all concerned, but as people get used to the different regimes at licenced premises and licensees come to terms with how the situation has changed, it is hoped that people will adapt to a different way of socialising and continue to enjoy themselves safely,” he added.