Licensing Initiatives and Consultations

Best Bar None

Best Bar None is an award scheme for licensed premises. It was developed and piloted in Manchester in 2003 to address alcohol related crime and improve the night time environment. It has since been implemented in over 80 local authority areas. Find out how you can join Best Bar None 

Licensing Consultations

April 2012

The Home Office has recently completed a consultation on the changes to the Licensing Act 2003 which will come into effect later this year, or early next year, to help tackle the problems of late night drinking.

The proposed changes will enable licensing authorities to make Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Orders (EMRO's) restricting the sale of alcohol in certain types of premises in areas covered by the order at set times between midnight and 6am, and/or impose a Late Night Levy, where certain types of licensed premises would have to pay a levy or premium if they remain open between the hours of midnight and 6am.

Read the Council's response to the Home Office consultation proposals to deal with the problem of late night drinking:

The full consultation document and background papers are available on the Home Office website 

December 2011

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has recently completed a consultation on the proposal to deregulate certain types of entertainment (Plays, Film Exhibitions, Live and Recorded Music, and Performances of Dance) for audiences of 5000 or less, which are currently licensable by the local authority under the provisions of Schedule 1 to the Licensing Act 2003. The outcome of the review is expected to be announced in 2012.

Read the Council's response to the DCMS consultation proposals to deregulate Schedule 1 to the Licensing Act 2003:

The full consultation document and background papers are available on the DCMS website