Licensing Act 2003 Licensing Policy

9.1The Licensing Authority recognises that, in some circumstances, flexible licensing hours for the sale of alcohol can help to ensure that the concentrations of customers leaving premises simultaneously are avoided. This can help to reduce the friction at late-night fast-food outlets, taxi ranks, minicab offices and other sources of transport that can lead to disorder and disturbance.

9.2With regard to licensing hours, consideration will be given to the individual merits of an application. However, consideration of flexible hours should always be balanced carefully against the duty to promote the four licensing objectives and the rights of local residents to peace and quiet.

Retail premises

9.3The Licensing Authority will generally consider licensing retail premises to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises at any times when the retail outlet is open for shopping unless there are good reasons, based on the licensing objectives, for restricting those hours.

9.4A limitation may be appropriate following police representations made in respect of individual shops known to be the focus of disorder and disturbance.

9.5It is important to note that 'opening hours', the times when premises are open to the public, are not necessarily identical to the hours during which licensable activities may take place.