The aim of the Licensing service is to grant or refuse applications for a licence, consent, permit or registration (where authority is delegated to the Assistant Director for Public Protection) and in other cases provide written reports to the Licensing Committee so that they may make decisions where necessary.
For more information, contact us at licensing@darlington.gov.uk
Our service objectives are:
1. to ensure applications for grant, renewal or variation of licences are determined in accordance with Council Policy in a timely manner
2. before issuing or renewing any licence consult with other agencies and relevant parties
3. to ensure that licensees comply with requirements and conditions relating to the licence or registration issued.
The Licensing Section
The Licensing & Parking manager is responsible for the delivery of this service.
There is a Principal Licensing Officer who manages the service on a day to day basis, with one Licensing Officer, two Enforcement Officers and two Administrative Officers dedicated to dealing with the service.
Additional support is provided by reception staff at Houndgate who deal with personal callers with enquiries about licensing and from professional/technical staff within the Department to inspect and monitor premises and advise on licence conditions or recommend refusal/revocation of licence.
Consultation
The licensing Action Group meet quarterly. this is attended by Officers, Police & Licensees.
- Highways and Transport Forum
- Public Protection Forum
- Town Centre Forum
Licensing Officers in addition arrange meetings of liaison groups, attended by persons issued with licenses, or consultation bodies to discuss licensing issues and develop ideas for inclusion in reports for submission to meetings attended by elected Members.
- Licensing Officers Group – Meets every six months. Attended by Chief Inspector of Police, Transport Planning Manager, Highways Manager, Town Centre Manager, and Commercial and Licensing Manager
- Taxi Licensing Liaison Group – meets quarterly with invitation sent to all vehicle proprietors. (Also attended by Transport Planning Officer)
- Pavement Café Licensing Group – meets annually in October/November. (Also attended by Estates Manager, Highways manager and Building Control Manager).
Role of elected Members
The Council's Cabinet decide on Licensing Policy which Officers then operate to deliver the service.
Councillor Dixon, the Cabinet Member with the Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio, is responsible for licensing.
The Councils Scrutiny Committees may consider any aspect of licensing for scrutiny.
The Council's Licensing Committee meets monthly and is made up of thirteen elected members. It has a quasi-judicial role making decisions upon licence applications and appeals against the decisions of officers in relation to drivers licences and registration of door stewards. The Committee also decide upon applications to hold street collections.