Residents and businesses are being asked to give their views on the way South Kesteven District Council decides licensing applications for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment.

The existing policy statement is being reviewed and a revised draft statement has been produced which can be found at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/LicensingConsult

Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: "As part of this process, we would like to know what people think.

"We need to consult with our stakeholders, including residents and businesses in South Kesteven, so please spare a few moments to look at the draft statement of licensing policy.

"The policy will apply to all licensing activities under the Licensing Act 2003 and will be used by the council to determine applications in a transparent and consistent way for the next five years.

"Our consultation closes on 23 October so if you would like to comment, please contact our licensing team."

Comments can be emailed to [email protected]

Any suggested amendments submitted during the consultation period will be considered before the final draft is presented to SKDC's Cabinet before going to full council for approval.

The Licensing Act 2003 aims to prevent crime and disorder, protect public safety, prevent public nuisance and protect children from harm.

The policy is being updated to reflect changes since the last one was approved. These include the 2003 Licensing Act (which came into force in April 2018), the 2017 Policing and Crime Act and other measures that help premises comply with licensing objectives.

The final draft is due to be presented to SKDC's Cabinet on 1 December 2020, with a view to the statement of licensing policy being presented to Council on 28 January 2021.