Licensing Policy Review

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council is reviewing its Licensing Policy for 2026- 2031, and we want to hear from residents, businesses and key organisations.

We want your feedback as it will help shape how licensing decisions are made in the districts over the next few years.

Whether you live near a pub, run a business, or attend local events, your input is valuable in ensuring the policy meets the needs of everyone in the community.

You can participate in the consultation from 30 May 2025 to 11 July 2025 by providing your views on the draft policy.

The Council will review all feedback and may amend the policy to reflect the concerns and suggestions raised.

What is a Licensing Policy?

The Licensing Policy (officially known as the Statement of Licensing Policy) sets out the principles and guidelines the Council follows when making decisions on licences for:

• Premises licences
• Club premises certificates
• Personal licences
• Provisional statements
• Review applications
• Temporary event notices that receive objections

The Licensing Act 2003 requires the Council to review this policy every five years to ensure it reflects local needs and aligns with national regulations. The policy aims to strike a balance between supporting local businesses and maintaining public safety and quality of life for residents.

The Licensing Policy is based on four key objectives:

1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Public safety
3. Prevention of public nuisance (for example: noise and disturbance)
4. Protection of children from harm

The policy covers all licensed premises where any of the following take place:

• Sale or supply of alcohol
• Regulated entertainment
• The provision of late-night refreshment
• Supply of alcohol in qualifying clubs

Read our existing licensing policy (which we are now updating)

Read our new proposed licensing policy

The specific changes that have been made in the new policy are:

Within section 6, "Agent of change":

References the agent of change principles in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework and how existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established.

Within section 7, "Equality and Inclusion in Licensed Premises":

Outlines licence holder and local authorities’ legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

Within section 8, "Violence Against Women and Girls":

Outlines local authorities’ commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and gives examples of measure that can be taken by licensed premises to promote women’s safety.

Within section 20, "Public Safety":

References the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill which will soon become legislation.  This is also known as Martyn’s Law.

To submit your feedback please email the Licensing Team

Alternatively please write to: