Annual licensing report

Published Monday 4 March, 2024
Last updated on Monday 18 March, 2024

Swale Borough Council will be carrying out more licensing inspections this year to make sure restricted products like alcohol, tobacco and vapes are being sold responsibly.

The commitment to increase the number of checks was made in the council’s first annual licensing report, which sets out the work the council’s licensing team carries out.

The council licenses several different activities, including the sale and supply of alcohol, gambling, taxi drivers, street traders and regulated entertainment, and aims to make sure that the places offering these services are doing so responsibly.

The annual report set out areas of focus for the service in the next 12 months, which include:

• increasing the number of pro-active inspections
• focussing on convenience stores to check compliance and share intelligence with other enforcement authorities
• working with the police to make sure premises licences are reviewed where legitimate concerns are raised

Through the licensing system, the council aims to help reduce crime and disorder, promote a safe and enjoyable night-time economy and make sure people can travel safely in the borough.

Derek Carnell, Chair of the council’s licensing committee, said:

“Our small but dedicated licensing team work incredibly hard behind the scenes to keep us all safe.

“Whether you are out drinking with friends, stopping at the corner shop to get cigarettes or even taking a taxi home the council has had a role in keeping you safe.

“The licensing team performs inspections, deals with complaints and have strict licensing rules to make sure people with licenses act responsibly and provide safe services and products.

“These licenses are also important to keep children away from harmful substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and vapes.

“If anyone is found to breach their license, such as selling alcohol to minors, they may lose their license and face other enforcement action.

“Having these checks and balances in place are vital in making sure our community remains safe.”

The report on the licensing activity can be found on the council’s website.