Draft Licensing Policy

We are consulting on our draft Licensing Policy and would like to hear your views. 

Canterbury City Council is the Licensing Authority under the Licensing Act 2003, responsible for granting premises licences, club premises certificates, temporary event notices and personal licences for the sale and supply of alcohol in the district. 

We also licence regulate entertainment and late-night refreshment. 

The 2003 Act requires us to carry out these functions to promote four licensing objectives: 

• the prevention of crime and disorder 
• public safety 
• the prevention of public nuisance 
• the protection of children from harm 

We’re required to publish a Statement of Licensing Policy setting out how we’ll apply these objectives when making decisions on licence applications. 

We’ve drafted an updated policy and want your views before it’s finalised. 

About the proposal 

The draft policy aims to: 

• help build and maintain a safe and prosperous society that balances the rights of individuals and communities 
• support more focused, proportionate enforcement, giving businesses greater freedom and flexibility to meet customer expectations 
• encourage more family-friendly premises catering for all age groups 
• develop a thriving cultural mix of live music, dancing and theatre 
• protect residents from anti-social behaviour and disturbance 
• offer greater choice for tourists and visitors in where and when they spend their leisure time 
• support a viable and sustainable early evening and night-time economy 
• reduce alcohol misuse and its consequences 
• support regeneration and employment through a thriving, safe night-time economy 

Have your say 

Read the draft Licensing Policy and share your views by completing our survey by 9am on Tuesday 17 November 2026. 

Need help or an alternative format? 

You can download a paper version of the survey if you would like to see the questions before completing it online, or to submit your responses by post. 

A paper copy of the Licensing Policy is available to view at the council offices, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR, during normal office hours.  

Paper copies are also available on request: 

• Email: consultations@canterbury.gov.uk 
• Phone: 01227 862000 (8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) 
• Write: Consultations team, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR 

Published: 22 September 2026