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Licensing Policies

Statement of Licensing Policy

31 March 2019 to 30 March 2024

Our Statement of Licensing Policy is a legally required document and is reviewed every five years. It sets out the steps we take to promote the licensing objectives

Cumulative Impact Assessment 2022 - 2025

Since April 2018, the new section 5A Licensing Act 2003 formalises Cumulative Impact Assessments and these must be reviewed every three years. If during any review it is clear that the original concerns regarding crime and disorder and public nuisance are no longer present the cumulative impact policy may be amended or removed.

This assessment is to be read in conjunction with the Statement of Licensing Policy (2019 - 2024).

Cumulative impact means the potential impact that a significant number of licensed premises in one area can have based on the following four licensing objectives.

  • Prevention of crime and disorder
  • Prevention of public nuisance
  • Public safety
  • Protection of children from harm.

There are six designated cumulative impact areas within Plymouth:

Mutley

North Hill

Stoke

Barbican

Union Street

City Centre

When an applicant applies for a premises licence a number of bodies such as the Police, Environmental Health, Fire Authority and local residents can raise any concerns they have about the application.

Where a cumulative impact policy is in place the applicant will also have to show that they will not add to the existing problems in the area. This does not mean that no further licences can be granted.

If no concerns are raised the licence will be granted subject to any conditions required by the law or which are given as part of the application.

The policy does not allow the Council to withdraw or cut-back licences it has already issued or to impose quotas that would prevent an application being considered.

If we receive any concerns about an application, the application will be considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee. If the applicant can show their premises will not negatively impact on cumulative impact within the area, the application is likely to be granted.