Public consultation on Revised Statement of Licensing Policy

The Isle of Wight Council's Statement of Licensing Policy is up for consideration with interested parties urged to get involved.

The council, as the licensing authority, 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.

The policy aims to promote the upholding of the licensing objectives:

• to secure public safety;
• protect children from harm;
• prevent public nuisance;
• prevent crime and disorder while encouraging a sustainable leisure and entertainment industry.
• The council must review the policy every five years.

The proposed draft policy largely mirrors the existing policy which has generally worked well in promoting the licensing objectives across the Island.

Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for regulatory services, said: "As part of the policy review we are required to provide a consultation period to seek the views of the responsible authorities, local people, businesses, and other organisations that may be affected by the proposed changes.

"However, this is not only about us complying with our legal obligations. This is a genuine opportunity for all stakeholders to make their views known, and I encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next six weeks.”

The Licensing Policy Statement sets out the local licensing strategy and provides clarity for everyone, including local residents, businesses and licence applicants, who will be able to refer to the statement when making representations or when preparing their applications.

Legally, the council is obliged to consider the policy when determining applications, and if any of our decisions are appealed to a magistrates' court, the court must consider the policy when deciding whether the original decision was correct.

The council is required to consult with the police, fire service, and representatives of the licensed trade to get a wide range of views across the Island. 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.

The consultation will run until 17 October 2023 and all comments on the draft policy are welcome. 

Comments can be made by:

• visiting the council's website and completing the online survey;
• emailing licensing@iow.gov.uk (please enter ‘LA03 Consultation’ in the email subject box);
• writing to: FAO Licensing Team, County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.

Paper copies of the document and survey can be requested at County Hall.