The Licensing Committee is responsible for the Council's licensing functions, including those related to the Licensing Act 2003 and the regulation of sexual entertainment venues. It handles decisions on various licences, with the exception of those relating to the Statement of Licensing Policy and Gambling Policy, which are reserved for the full Council. Individual applications are typically considered by a smaller Licensing Sub-Committee, usually comprising three members. The committee's decisions directly affect businesses and individuals seeking or holding licences within Newcastle upon Tyne.