Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Licensing Act 2003 - Statement of Licensing Policy Review 2026

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Licensing Act 2003 - Statement of Licensing Policy Review 2026.

Under the Licensing Act 2003 local authorities must develop and review their Statement of Licensing Policy at least every five years. The revised policy provides a pragmatic and fair approach to all those working within the licensable activity sector, whilst continuing to meet the statutory obligations under the Licensing Act 2003.

A copy of the proposed Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy was available on the SBC website.

The proposed policy reflected legislation, best practice  and integrated the recently published National Licensing Policy Framework which was a strategic vision for a modern, permissive licensing system that safeguarded communities while enabling hospitality and leisure to thrive, and was aligned with the licensing objectives which were:

•           the prevention of crime and disorder

•           public safety

•           the prevention of public nuisance

•           the protection of children from harm

The proposed policy supported the Councils vision and priorities and includes information on:

•           Martyn's Law (Protect Duty)

•           Illegal employment practices

•           Local alcohol related harm

The proposed policy reinforced the commitment to:

•           Partnership working including Pubwatch

•           Proactive enforcement around alcohol harm including underage sales and early morning sales

•           Engagement and compliance with the trade including the Reducing the Strength scheme

•           Developing a responsible retailer guide that can be updated and remain current outside of the 5 year policy cycle

For statutory consultation the proposed policy was circulated for response to:

•           Responsible authorities under the Licensing Act 2003 including the Police

•           All members

•           Internal and external stakeholders

•           All current licence holders in the hospitality trade

The proposed policy was advertised to the public on the licensing website and social media pages. Comments were to be received by 31 May 2026.

No comments objecting to the proposed policy were received.

Supportive comments were received from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) via the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV). The comments and proposed additional policy wording were attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

The matter was referred to the General Licensing Committee on the 9 June 2026. The committee agreed unanimously on the revised Statement of Licensing Policy and the positive impact of the Reducing the Strength Scheme was acknowledged.

The Licensing Act 2003 places a statutory requirement on all Local Authorities to develop a Statement of Licensing Policy, and policies would to be reviewed at least every five years.

The Statement of Licensing Policy guided how the Council exercises its responsibilities when issuing licences for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment.

All decisions must support the four equal-weight licensing objectives, as advised by the Section 182 guidance which accompanies the Act, these objectives underpin every part of the policy to ensure that Stockton-on-Tees continues to promote safe, responsible, and well-managed licensed activities.

The policy review had been undertaken with full consideration given to the follows the Councils design principals:

•           Put communities at the heart of everything we do

The policy prioritises the needs and concerns of residents by promoting the licensing objectives and ensuring community impact and feedback are central to decision making.

•           Has a ‘place-based’ approach

The policy reflects local characteristics by using tools such as area-specific evidence to respond to the distinct needs and risks within different parts of the borough.

•           Has efficient processes and be digital by design

The policy supports streamlined, transparent and accessible licensing processes, including the use of digital systems to submit, manage and determine applications efficiently.

•           Uses data and intelligence to inform our decision

Decisions under the policy are informed by robust data and intelligence from responsible authorities, ensuring an evidence-based approach.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy be agreed.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Under the Licensing Act 2003, full Council has the final decision making powers for the adoption of a Statement of Licensing Policy.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable, Council Decision.