Have your say on Lambeth's Draft Licensing Policy 2024-2029

Purpose / Background

The draft Licensing Policy sets out the expectations of the Council, as the licensing authority for Lambeth, and provides guidance for applicants for new licences or variations to existing licences (for example, where an increase in hours is being requested). Existing premises licences are not affected unless a variation is being applied for or where a licence comes to review, in which case the new policy will apply.

The Licensing Policy covers all premises in Lambeth where any of the following take place:

• The sale or supply of alcohol
• Regulated entertainment
• The provision of late night refreshment
• Supply of alcohol in qualifying clubs

The Licensing Act 2003 requires that the Council review the Licensing Policy at least every five years, consulting the public on a draft Licensing Policy and making changes to the policy as appropriate. Through the Licensing Policy, the Council sets out to promote the four licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003, which are:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

What has informed the proposals?

We have reviewed the evidence, changes in the legislation and guidance on the legislation.  To do this we have:

• Reviewed the current Statement of Licensing Policy with a set of review criteria developed to review Licensing Policies by Safe Sociable London Partnership in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime.
• Reviewing changes in the Licensing Act 2003 and in Guidance issued by the Home Secretary to guide on the application of the Licensing Act 2003 including the development of Licensing Policies.
• Reviewing the Lambeth evidence and benchmarking against other London local authorities.
• Consulting key stakeholders.

View our draft Licensing Policy and Summary of Changes to help you feedback.