Licensing Policy and Forum - Adur & Worthing Councils

Introduction to the responsible authorities and Licensing Policy

As separate licensing authorities, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council are each required by the Licensing Act to draw up their own Statement of Licensing Policy.

These policy documents details how each licensing authority will consider and deal with licensing applications made in their area:

Adur District Council is the licensing authority for Southwick, Shoreham and Lancing.
Worthing Borough Council is the licensing authority for the borough of Worthing.

These statements of policy are vital not only as a guide to applicants, the public and councillors but as the basis by which all decisions made by the authorities are defended in a court of law.

These policies are constantly reviewed but have to be formally reviewed at least every five years.

Whilst these policies differ to reflect the different character of the separate geographical areas they must include consideration of the four licensing objectives:

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

Statutory consultees (including the police, the fire authority and other responsible authorities), trade organisations, community groups and residents are all consulted.

List of Responsible Authorities (November 2023) (117KB)

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Statements of Licensing Policy

Whilst the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Licensing Act 2003 falls on one team of officers, Adur & Worthing Councils' Licensing Unit, the licensing authorities for the district of Adur and the borough of Worthing remain completely independent.

As stated Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council both have a responsibility under the Licensing Act 2003 to continuously review and publish their separate 'Statement of Licensing Policy' the document by which all applications for licences are considered in their respective areas.

Both authorities' policies are in accordance with both the Licensing Act 2003 and the statutory guidance issued by the Home Secretary and both are scheduled to be reviewed again in 2028 or sooner.

The current policies are: