Have your say on licensing policy

Hastings Borough Council is reviewing its Statement of Licensing Policy and is asking for residents and interested parties to comment.
The regular review and adoption of the Statement of Licensing Policy helps to ensure that the council's licensing policies and procedures are up to date and effective in ensuring a safe and regulated environment for users of licensed premises. The updated policy has only minor amendments to the policy from 2016.
The council is also reviewing the Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) to determine whether there is still evidence to support it. The CIP was introduced to limit the number and type of licence applications granted in the area it covers. There was evidence to show that the number or density of licensed premises within the area was leading to problems which were undermining the licensing objectives.
Cllr Maya Evans, lead member for Environment, said: "Comments from residents and interested groups will be used to decide whether the policy needs changing. We are particularly interested in anyone who has any evidence in support or otherwise of the continuation of the CIP. This feedback will help us determine if it needs to be continued or not. Comments on the demand for licensing premises and morality issues are not considerations under this legislation so we will be unable to consider comments of this nature."
You can read the new draft policy on the consultation page of our website. All comments should be sent to licensing@hastings.gov.uk. The consultation will close on 12 November.
Any comments sent should clearly state your name, the organisation or persons you are responding on behalf of, and your address.