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

11. Other key considerations

Promotion of Equality

11.1 It is fully recognised that the Equality Act 2010 places legal obligations on the Council to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, and promote equality of opportunity, social inclusion and good relations between persons, including between those with protected characteristics (for example race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion/belief, age, disability, and marital status).

Human Rights

11.2 The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights and makes it unlawful for the Council to act in any way that is incompatible with a Convention right. In carrying out its licensing function the Council will have particular regard to the following provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights:

  • Article 1 of the First Protocol that every person is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of his possessions, including for example the possession of a licence or his home or possessions
  • Article 6 that in determination of civil rights and obligations everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law
  • Article 8 that everyone has the right to respect for his home and private life

Sustainability

11.3 The Council recommends that premises are constructed and operated with regard to the principles of sustainability, in particular the use of energy and of the materials used in construction.