At TV Edwards, our specialist licensing solicitors provide expert advice on licensing policies and how they affect licence applications, variations, and licensing decisions.
Every licensing authority must publish its own Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. These licensing policies essentially set out how local authorities approach licensing applications, including whether or not new licences are likely to be granted and what conditions may apply, among other things.
Understanding licensing policies is essential if you want your application to succeed. Our experienced licensing solicitors help businesses navigate local authority policies, prepare compliant applications, and secure licences that support their commercial objectives.
With many years of experience advising businesses across London and nationwide, we help clients understand licensing policies and achieve successful licensing outcomes.
I have found the solicitors to be a very committed group of individuals who have a genuine desire to act in the very best interests of their client.
Legal 500 UK (2023)
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If you are applying for a new premises licence, varying an existing licence, or responding to concerns raised by the licensing authority, understanding the relevant licensing policies is vital.
Our licensing solicitors can review your local authority’s policy, advise on its impact, and help you prepare a strong and compliant application.
What Are Licensing Policies?
Licensing policies are formal documents that are published by local authorities explaining how licensing decisions are made under the Licensing Act 2003. Each local authority must publish and regularly review its Statement of Licensing Policy, typically every five years. The policies provide guidance on:
- How licensing applications are assessed
- Acceptable operating hours for licensed premises
- Local priorities and licensing objectives
- Conditions that may be imposed on licences
- Areas subject to stricter licensing controls
Although licensing policies have to comply with national legislation, each local authority’s policy is different. What this means is that the outcome of a licensing application can vary significantly depending on the location.
Our licensing solicitors help businesses understand and comply with relevant licensing policies to maximise the likelihood of a successful application.
How Licensing Policies Affect Licence Applications
Licensing policies play an important role in determining whether licence applications are granted, refused, or modified. The relevant licensing authority will assess whether your application:
- Promotes the licensing objectives
- Complies with the local licensing policies
- Addresses any potential concerns from responsible authorities
- Minimises the risk of public nuisance, crime, or disorder
If an application does not align with local licensing policies, it may face objections or refusal. However, deviations can still be approved if properly justified.
Our licensing solicitors provide advice on strategy to make sure your application is aligned with licensing policies or supported by strong legal arguments where exceptions are required.
Cumulative Impact Zones and Licensing Restrictions
Many licensing policies include cumulative impact zones (CIZs), which are areas where licensing authorities believe there are already high concentrations of licensed premises. In areas like this, licensing authorities may:
- Apply stricter scrutiny to new applications
- Require additional evidence to justify granting a licence
- Impose stricter licence conditions
- Refuse applications that may increase cumulative impact
Operating within a cumulative impact zone does not prevent you from obtaining a licence, but it requires a carefully prepared application supported by clear legal arguments.
TV Edwards’ licensing solicitors have extensive experience helping businesses secure licences in cumulative impact zones and other high-risk areas.
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How Our Licensing Solicitors Can Help
We provide comprehensive advice and representation on all aspects of licensing policies and licence applications:
We can help you by:
- Reviewing and interpreting local authority licensing policies
- Advising on how policies affect your application
- Preparing compliant and strategically structured licence applications
- Representing you in licensing hearings and negotiations
- Justifying applications that deviate from licensing policies
- Helping protect your licence from review or revocation
We act for a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs, event venues, and hospitality operators.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Immediate emergency support – call us on 0203 440 8000
- Specialist representation – police station advisers, solicitors, and higher court advocates
- Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
- Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English
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Licensing Policies Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Statement of Licensing Policy?
A Statement of Licensing Policy is a document published by a local authority that explains how licensing decisions are made. It provides guidance on licence applications, operating hours, and licensing objectives.
How do licensing policies affect licence applications?
Licensing authorities use licensing policies to assess whether applications should be refused or granted. Applications that align with the licensing policies have a better chance of success.
What is a cumulative impact zone?
A cumulative impact zone is an area where licensing authorities believe there are already many licensed premises, and where those premises are having a significant effect on the local population. Applications in these areas require stronger justification and careful preparation.
Can you apply for a licence outside licensing policy guidelines?
Yes, but applications that deviate from licensing policies must have proper justification. A licensing solicitor can help prepare arguments to support your application.
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