Statement of Licensing Policy - Licensing Act 2003 - 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2031

2.1 The council's strategic approach is for Gateshead to be a place where everyone thrives - for Gateshead to be a great borough, with vibrant communities, where residents feel supported and live fulfilled lives, businesses can grow, and our environmental impact is minimised.

2.2 The licensing of premises and people plays an important role in realising this vision and aligns with Gateshead Council Corporate Plan 2025 to 2030, Gateshead Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Safer Gateshead Partnership Plan 2024 to 2026 (PDF, 813 KB).

2.3 This Policy sets out what this Licensing Authority expects of the people that it authorises to carry out licensable activities in the Borough of Gateshead.

2.4 Applicants and licensees are of course expected to be familiar with the relevant legislation and the National Guidance issued by the Home Office, but they are also expected to be familiar with the exigencies of the locality that they operate in. This applies to everyone seeking to carry on licensable activities in the borough, whether they are a large national chain or a small community premises.

2.5 The promotion of the licensing objectives underpins every decision that the Licensing Authority makes. How the objectives are best promoted can vary from place to place and depending on the nature and scale of the activities that are to be carried out. This Policy sets out the issues that are of particular relevance or concern within Gateshead, and the approaches that this Licensing Authority would expect responsible licensees to take into account in their operation.

2.6 The Policy links closely with a number of key plans and strategies produced by the council and its partners, as set out in the section headed 'Integration with other legislation, policies and guidance'.