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Licensing enforcement
To report a licensed premises, a licence holder or a licensed vehicle such as a taxi, send us details using this online form.
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The council delivers a wide range of enforcement services aimed
at safeguarding the environment and the community and at providing
a ‘level playing field’ on which businesses can fairly trade. The
administration and enforcement of the licensing regime is one of
these services.
The council fully supports the principles of the government’s
Enforcement Concordat designed to ensure effective and efficient
public protection services. Specifically, the council is committed
to accord with the principles of good enforcement practice by
carrying out its regulatory functions in a fair, open and
consistent manner.
The Enforcement Concordat is based on the
principles that businesses should:
- receive clear explanations from enforcers of
what they need to do and by when;
- have opportunities to
resolve differences before enforcement action is taken, unless
immediate action is needed;
- receive an explanation of
their rights of appeal.
The council recognises the interests of both
individual citizens and the requirements of businesses and will
work closely with partners to assist licence holders to comply with
the law and the four licensing objectives it seeks to
promote. However, proportionate but firm action will be taken
against those who commit serious offences or persistently break the
law.
The council has agreed and formalised
arrangements for licensing enforcement, in respect of the Kent and
Medway Regulatory Licensing Steering Group which is made up
of Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and local authorities
representing Kent and Medway.
The Kent and Medway Licensing Enforcement
Protocol provides guidance regarding the legal requirements and
operational procedures for the targeting of resources towards high
risk premises and activities that require greater attention, while
providing a lighter touch in respect of low risk premises that are
well operated.
All licence holders will be expected to
co-operate in order to promote the licensing objectives. Evidence
of non-cooperation maybe considered sufficient grounds for review
and revocation of any licence.
The principle of using a scoring scheme
based on risk factors will normally prevail and proactive
inspections will usually be undertaken in accordance with a
priority inspection scheme. This should ensure that resources are
more effectively allocated to higher risk or ‘problem
premises’. Monitoring visits will also take place in around
premises.
Legal information
Please note that the information above is not legal advice.
Legislation and procedures may change over time and the advice
given is based on the information available at the current time. It
is not necessarily comprehensive and will be subject to revision in
the event of further government guidance and regulations. This
advice is not intended to be a definitive guide to or substitute
for the relevant law.
The council is happy to provide information but cannot give
advice on individual applications. Please seek legal and
professional advice.
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