LICENSING COMMITTEE AGENDA - Hartlepool Borough Council

Licensing Committee – 6 th November 2012 4.3
Licensing Act in 2005. There are currently 23 premises in the town
centre area with a terminal hour of 0200 hours or later and there may be
concerns that many, or all, of these premises would close at the same
time - resulting in a surge of people onto the streets.
3.5 There are also a number of potential benefits associated with the adoption of
EMRO’s and/or a Late Night Levy: -
• The adoption of an earlier terminal hour may result in revelers beginning
their night out earlier. It is accepted that many revelers now purchase
cheap alcohol from supermarkets and drink it at home prior to ‘going out’
(known as ‘pre-loading’). Information from local licensees and taxi
companies suggests that many people do not begin their night out until
midnight or later. As many people will have been drinking at home some
licensees believe these people go on to make use of their facilities for
the remainder of the night but actually spend little money.
Introducing an earlier closing time may lead to revelers coming to the
town centre earlier and potentially spending more money in the town
centre premises.
• An earlier closing time will result in people returning home earlier. This
will, in turn, reduce any noise nuisance as revelers either walk or are
taken home by taxi.
• Police resources would be freed up earlier and could be allocated
elsewhere.
• The availability of taxis working on an evening may increase as a
number of drivers currently refuse to work until 4 or 5 o’clock.
• Additional revenue could be generated via the Late Night Levy which
could be used to finance additional night time economy initiatives.
3.6 As the adoption of EMRO’s and/or the Late Night Levy are potentially very
significant for both local licensees and residents of the town it is proposed
that a comprehensive consultation exercise be carried out.
3.7 As detailed in paragraph 2.21 above, consultation must include the newly
appointed Police and Crime Commissioner.
3.8 It is proposed that the results of the consultation be brought back to a future
Licensing Committee meeting for consideration.
4. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 There are no equality or diversity implications.
5. SECTION 17
5.1 The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires Local Authorities to consider the
4.3 Licensing 12.11.06 Forthcoming amendments to the licensing act 2003 HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL
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