Alcohol, Entertainment & Late Night Refreshment

Consultation summary:

The Statement of Licensing Policy gives guidance to applicants, licence holders, local residents and local businesses, on how the Licensing Authority will make its decisions under the Licensing Act 2003. It includes the Licensing Authority’s policy for decisions by a licensing subcommittee when there has been representation or objection against an application, or a request has been made to review an existing licence.

The Licensing Act 2003 requires us to review and readopt our statement of policy every 5 years.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s current statement expires on 1st January 2026. 

The draft Policy includes proposed changes which are:

A new paragraph has been introduced to the Policy referencing “Martyn’s Law”. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 also know as Martyn’s Law has been developed to ensure public premises and events are better prepared for terrorist attacks, requiring organisers to take reasonable practicable steps, which vary according to their capacity, to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce physical harm. We would expect all licensees to comply with any requirements set out within the Act as and when it comes into force.

A new section has been introduced to the Policy referencing Public Health as a Responsible Body.  There is not a specific licensing objective related directly to health within the current legislation. When making a representation, the Director of Public Health will be required to relate such representations and available data to the other licensing objectives.

Consultaton Period:  Monday 11th August 2025 to Monday 29th September 2025

How to make a comment:

Comments about the draft policy should be emailed to the Licensing Manager at licensing@hartlepool.gov.uk or posted to the Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY