Statement of Licensing Policy (2008) WCC - Westminster City Council

Other steps that can be taken by the council include:• taking no action• issuing an informal warning• recommending improvements within a particular time• monitoring by regular inspection and invite to seek a further review ifproblems persist.Revised guidance paragraph 11.16 states “However, where responsible authoritieslike the police or environmental health offi cers have already issued warnings requiringimprovement - either orally or in writing – that have failed as part of their own steppedapproach to concerns, licensing authorities should not merely repeat that approach.”9. Offences under the Licensing Act 2003 include the serving of alcohol tounaccompanied persons under 18. The consumption of alcohol by minors impacts onthe health, educational attainment, employment prospects and propensity for crimeof young people. The admitting or serving of persons who are intoxicated is also anoffence under the Licensing Act 2003; the council will treat representations that theseoffences have occurred seriously when they arise in connection with the granting orreview of a premises licence. It will also have regard to other criminal activities whichmay take place in some types of licensed premises:• sale or distribution of drugs• sale or distribution of stolen or counterfeit goods or weapons• sale of smuggled tobacco and alcohol• prostitution, pimping or procuring• use as a base for criminal activity, particularly gangs• organisation of racist activity• unlawful gaming and gambling.(Based upon revised Guidance, paragraph 11.25 )10. Where reviews arise and the Licensing Authority determines that the crime preventionobjective is being undermined through the premises being used to further crimes, it isexpected that the revocation of the licence- even in the fi rst instance - will be seriouslyconsidered (revised Guidance, paragraph 11.26). However, revocation remains anoption if other licensing objectives are being undermined.103