Contents

  1. Introduction to the DRAFT Statement of Licensing Policy
  2. Scope of the Policy
  3. Licensing principles
  4. Licensing objectives
  5. Conditions
  6. Cumulative Impact and Saturation Policies
  7. Licensing hours and outdoor events
  8. Inspection, enforcement and review of licences
  9. Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs)
  10. Integration of the Licensing Policy with other related Council Strategies
  11. Other key considerations
  12. Administration and standards of service delivery
  13. Further information and useful contacts
  14. Annex 1 - Useful Contacts
  15. Appendix A - Bexleyheath and Welling Town Centre Saturation Areas
  16. Appendix B - Scheme of Delegations of Licensing Functions

1. Introduction to the DRAFT Statement of Licensing Policy

1.1 This document is the DRAFT Statement of Licensing Policy (the Policy) approved by the London Borough of Bexley (the Council) within the meaning of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) for the five-year period 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2031 and was agreed on (insert date when finalised).

1.2 Under the Act the Council is responsible for licensing various activities in the Borough that involve the sale by retail of alcohol, the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club or to the order of a member of a club, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late-night refreshment.

1.3 The main aim of the Policy is to explain how the Council, in discharging its licensing functions, intends to promote the four licensing objectives, which are:

  • the prevention of crime and disorder
  • public safety
  • the prevention of public nuisance
  • the protection of children from harm

1.4 In addition, the Policy also provides the parameters under which the Council may make licensing decisions and provides licence applicants, residents and businesses with the detail of these parameters.

1.5 The Policy has been prepared in accordance with the Act and associated statutory Guidance issued under section 182 of the Act (the Guidance) and agreed following a wide-ranging consultation process, including all the consultees stipulated in the Act. Proper weight has been given to the views of those consulted.

1.6 The Policy will be kept under review and any revision to the Policy will be the subject of further consultation and approval by the Council. Where further revisions are made to the Policy the Council will publish a statement of the revision or the revised Policy. Where revisions to Guidance are made by the Secretary of State during this period, it will be for the Council to determine whether revisions to this Policy are appropriate.

1.7 Nothing in this Policy should be regarded or interpreted as an indication that licensing or other law may be overridden (including the obligation placed on the Council under human rights legislation).

1.8 The Policy is available in the reception area of the Council Civic Offices and in Bexley’s public libraries and on the Council’s web site. A copy will be sent to any person on request to the Licensing Partnership (see section 13 for contact details).