Statement of licensing policy (Licensing Act 2003)

The Licensing Act 2003 replaced most legislation relating to liquor, entertainment and night café licensing. Responsibility has transferred from magistrates' courts to local authorities.

The provisions of the Licensing Act came into full effect on 24 November 2005.

Salford City Council is the licensing authority within the city of Salford. The council has responsibility for licensing all premises which sell alcohol, provide entertainment or sell hot food and drink between the hours of 11.00pm and 5.00am. The Licensing Act 2003 requires the council to publish a Statement of Licensing Policy.

The licensing policy statement is used to guide the licensing authority when considering licence applications and the control of licensed premises as required by the Act.

Background to the policy statement

The policy statement has been prepared under Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in July 2004 ("the guidance"). The licensing authority is, therefore, bound by the Act, the guidance and any regulations made under the Act.

In relation to the guidance, the licensing authority must have regard to it, but can, if it considers it appropriate, deviate from the guidance. It must, however, have good reasons to justify doing so.

The policy provides guidance to applicants, objectors and interested residents and businesses and the approach the licensing authority will take towards licensing. It has been the subject of consultation with local bodies, organisations and residents. A list of the statutory consultees is provided with the policy statement.

Effective date and policy review

The policy will come into force in January 2011 and will remain in force until a statutory or other review and consultation process is deemed necessary.

In adopting this policy, the licensing authority recognises both the needs of residents for a safe, healthy and sustainable environment in which to live and work and the importance of well run entertainment and leisure premises to the economy and vibrancy of Salford.

Licensing Act 2003 draft policy consultation

The statement of licensing policy is a document that we must produce by law. The policy explains the council's approach to licensing within the city. It also gives guidance to licence holders, applicants and any person who may have an interest in licence applications or information regarding the review of licences. The policy must be reviewed and renewed every three years.

Additional Licensing Act 2003 resources

• Licensing Act 2003 explained
• Guidance issued to licensing authorities and the police
• How to comment on licensing applications
• How to complain

Who to contact

Name

Licensing Section

Address

Turnpike House
631 Eccles New Road
Salford
M50 1SW
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 925 1080

Email

licensing@salford.gov.uk

Fax

0161 793 2830

This page was last updated on 18 May 2012