The Licensing Act 2003 Statement Of Licensing Policy January 2021

1.Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (the Council) acting as the licensing authority for the purposes of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act), recognises the benefits to Stockton-on-Tees of a thriving leisure and entertainment economy and wishes to promote, wherever possible, a Borough that meets and indeed exceeds the requirements of its residents and visitors. However the licensing authority recognises that certain types of premises, particularly those offering alcohol, music or late night refreshment, may have a detrimental impact on those who live or work nearby.

2. The licensing authority intends to seek a balance between the needs of residents and local businesses by using this licensing policy and other strategies to promote and encourage well-managed, neighbour friendly licensed premises that represent a positive addition to life in the Borough. In trying to achieve this, the vision of the licensing authority can be described as follows:-

A Borough that offers a wide choice of high quality and well managed entertainment and cultural venues within a safe, orderly and attractive environment, valued by those who live and work here and by those who come to visit. A Borough where support is given to businesses and community groups to ensure that they operate responsibly and safely so that our residents live in decent neighbourhoods with a good quality of life, where the impact of alcohol related harm is minimised and visitors to the Borough can enjoy Stockton and all it has to offer.