Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet recommend to full Council that the proposed Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Policy be adopted.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the findings of the consultation on the Statement of Licensing Policy and recommended that Cabinet endorse the Policy and recommended to Council that it be approved.

Licensing Officers presented a draft Policy to Cabinet in April 2025 and this Policy had been developed following a period of informal consultation with partner agencies, licence holders and members of the public, along with a review of other policies from across the UK to identify best practice that could be adopted in Rotherham. Following Cabinet approval, the draft policy was then subjected to a 6 week period of consultation.

All responses to the consultation had been consolidated and reviewed. The significant majority of the responses indicated a general support for the proposals within the Policy, and therefore it was recommended that the draft Policy agreed by Cabinet in April was accepted as the final version of the 2025–2030 Statement of Policy.

The Policy promoted environmental best practice as set out in paragraph 2.15 of the report. It also provided advice and guidance on the practical steps licensed venues could take to keep women safe as detailed in paragraph 2.17. The Policy recognised that premises operating hours could have a significant impact on local residents, the economy and the local area, therefore, it set out a number of core hours that were applicable to each type of licensed premises. Specific areas relevant to each class of premises were also set out. Further detail was included regarding large events as detailed in paragraph 2.23.

Resolved:

1.    That the proposed Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Policy be recommended to Council for adoption.