Our Licensing Statement of Principles and Cumulative Impact Statement
The Licensing Act 2003 requires that we must prepare and publish a Statement of Principles (Licensing Policy) every five years. The published Policy then provides the framework for all decisions on applications relating to the Licensing Act 2003 and the way we carry out our functions in relation to the legislation.
The Policy is also intended to provide advice and guidance to anyone that may be involved in the licensing application process from applicants and licence holders to responsible authorities and members of the public who wish to make a representation about an application.
The Policy was adopted by the Council on 11 December 2025 and is effective from 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2031.
Since April 2018, the new Section 5A Licensing Act 2003 formalises Cumulative Impact Assessments, which must be reviewed every three years. If during any review it is clear that the original concerns regarding crime and disorder and public nuisance are no longer present the cumulative impact policy may be amended or removed.
This assessment is to be read in conjunction with the Statement of Licensing Policy (2021-2026).
Cumulative impact means the potential impact that a significant number of licensed premises in one area can have based on the following four licensing objectives.
There are two designated cumulative impact areas within Torquay:
When an applicant applies for a premises licence a number of bodies such as the Police, Environmental Health, Fire Authority and residents can raise any concerns they have about the application.
Where a cumulative impact assessment is in place the applicant will also have to show that they will not add to the existing problems in the area. This does not mean that no further licences can be granted.
If no concerns are raised the licence will be granted subject to any conditions required by the law or which are given as part of the application.
The assessment does not allow the Council to withdraw or cut back licences it has already issued or to impose quotas that would prevent an application from being considered.
If we receive any concerns about an application, the application will be considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee. If the applicant can show their premises will not negatively impact on cumulative impact within the area, the application is likely to be granted.