The Licensing (Premises) Committee of Buckinghamshire Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 21 April 2026. The primary item on the agenda was a review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

Review of Buckinghamshire Council's Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee was scheduled to discuss the statutory requirement to review Buckinghamshire Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which is mandated every five years under the Licensing Act 2003. The current policy, adopted in March 2022, was due for review and republication by March 2027. The report pack outlined the proposed consultation process for this review, with a draft policy intended to be presented to the committee in September 2026 before referral to Full Council for adoption.

The report detailed the council's responsibilities as a Licensing Authority, which include authorising the sale and supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. It noted that the council currently has approximately 8100 Personal Licences, 1800 Premises Licences, and 150 Club Premises Certificates in place. The review of the policy is to ensure it continues to promote the four statutory licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

The report also referenced the government's National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors, published in November 2025, which encourages a more transparent and growth-supportive approach to licensing. The council's review will consider this framework, aiming to balance the interests of businesses and residents to foster a safe and attractive environment. The consultation process was planned to include engagement with statutory consultees, stakeholders, and the public, with an eight-week consultation period proposed.

The report also touched upon various corporate implications, including protecting the vulnerable, promoting equality, and environmental considerations, noting that the policy aims to integrate with wider council strategies. It was recommended that the committee endorse the proposed consultation approach.

The report pack also included the full text of the council's current Licensing Policy Statement, adopted in March 2022, which details the council's approach to promoting the licensing objectives across various areas, including hours, standards of management, licence conditions, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also outlines the licensing process, including applications for premises licences, temporary events, personal licences, licence reviews, and the scheme of delegation for decision-making.