Leader's blog - w/c 22 September 2025

“SDC's Community Services and Licensing Committee will this week be considering a revised Licensing Policy. The purpose of the policy is to give guidance to applicants, licence holders, residents and businesses on how the council will make its decisions under the Licensing Act 2003, for licensing sales of alcohol, regulated entertainment, such as music, and late-night refreshment.

When there are objections to an application, or when a licence is reviewed (for example, following complaints about a venue), the decision is made by a panel of three councillors from Community Services and Licensing Committee, who are supported by a legal advisor. The panel can grant the licence, refuse or revoke a licence, reduce permitted hours, or add conditions where relevant and proportionate. The Act specifies four objectives on which decisions must be made: prevention of crime and disorder; prevention of public nuisance; public safety; and protection of children. License Applications that are currently open for comment are on the council’s website – www.stroud.gov.uk/licensing-act-reviews  

The policy now includes encouraging licence holders to participate in the Ask for Angela Scheme. Venues participating in this scheme offer help to anyone feeling vulnerable, whether on a night out, or out in the daytime, to get the support they need. Staff at participating venues are trained to understand and respond to anyone who “asks for Angela”.  This may include calling security, taking the person to a safe space or helping them leave the premises unnoticed. The aim is to help keep people safe when they feel unsafe or are in an uncomfortable situation.

Applicants and licence holders are also encouraged in the revised policy to apply the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to minimize waste and potential littering issues. Licensing Panel Hearings, like meetings of the council and its committees, are open to the public and recordings of hearing are on the council's You Tube channel. A calendar of meetings with links to view the recordings on the You Tube channel are on the council's website: www.stroud.gov.uk/licensing-panel “

Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Community Services & Licensing Committee