The City Council is carrying out a consultation exercise and is asking people to comment on its draft licensing policy.
“At the heart of the draft policy is the City Council’s desire to promote a vibrant night time economy for Exeter, whilst minimizing the number of negatives,” said Cllr Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Environment Health and Wellbeing.
“The night time economy would provide a rich mix of entertainment and activity which is welcoming, clean and safe. It would also need to accommodate a wide range of tastes of a diverse population which enriches the economic growth of the city. The policy states that the café culture should be positively engendered. We would welcome people’s thoughts,” added Cllr Owen.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, the City Council has to produce a Statement of Licensing Policy and to carry out subsequent reviews of the policy every five years. The statement of licensing policy is used to guide the licensing authority when considering licence applications and the control of licensed premises as required by the act.
Before determining its policy, the Council must consult with responsible authorities, representatives of holders of premises licences, club premises certificates, persons authorised to sell alcohol, residents and businesses within the area of the council.
The existing Statement of Licensing Policy was published in January 2011. The review process is now underway to ensure that the revised policy may be published and implemented in 2015.
People are invited to comment on the revised draft policy, which can be viewed on the council website at www.exeter.gov.uk/licensingreview Copies are also available in the customer service centre in Paris Street.
Any comments on the revised draft Statement of Licensing Policy should be submitted in writing to Mr Ian Ley, Principal Licensing Officer, Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1RQ or by emailing licensing.team@exeter.gov.uk by no later than the 2 January 2015
