Closed: Consultation on Eastbourne Borough Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029

The policy sets out the local framework for decision making when considering licensing applications. As such, the council's Licensing Committee and its Sub-Committees refer to the policy when making decisions on the outcome of applications.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, Eastbourne Borough Council is required to publish a Statement of Licensing Policy for the area for a five-year period.

The current policy covers the period 2019 to 2024, having been approved by Full Council on 10 July 2019, following a period of public consultation.

Policy review and national guidance

The policy has been reviewed in a number of aspects, including in-light of the revised national guidance issued by the Home Office in December 2023 under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Key changes to the draft Statement of Licensing Policy take into account the following changes to national guidance:

• Entitlement to Work in the UK. There have been extensive changes which need to be carefully considered when dealing with non-UK applicants.
• Temporary Event Notices - clarification that there is no right of appeal in relation to a late temporary notice following an objection for the Police or Environmental Protection.
• Conditions attached to premises licences should be incorporated in accordance with the applicants intention, and be appropriate and proportionate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.
• Planning and building control to reflect that the National Planning Policy Framework expectation that new development can be integrated effectively with existing businesses and community facilities. Where the operation of an existing businesses or community facility could have significant adverse effect on a new development (including changes of use) in its vicinity, the applicant should be required by the local planning authority to provide suitable mitigation before the development has been completed.
• Further extension regarding off sale licences. Off sales can be considered as a minor variation if there are no adverse effects on the licensing objectives.
• Counter Terrorism and Public Safety. The Licensing Authority give consideration of conditions around health care provision for high profile and large events.  

The draft policy also includes a number of 'guiding principles' (part 3) and 'other considerations' (part 5), in relation to the council's licensing functions.

Have your say

Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation is asked to read the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029 which is available to download below.

Download the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029 (PDF) [392KB]

Additions and amendments to the policy are indicated in red text.

Once you have read the policy, please complete the following survey:

Online survey

You can also submit comments by email to CustomerFirst@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk or in writing to EBC Licensing Consultation, Eastbourne Borough Council, Town Hall, Grove Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4UG

Consultation closing date

The consultation will run from Monday 22 January to Monday 4 March 2024.

Information in different languages and formats

We are mindful that there may be many people operating businesses for whom English is not their first language.

To request the consultation information and survey in a different language, please email CustomerFirst@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

You can also request the information in a different format such as large print or in hard copy.