Statement of Licensing Policy
Open for comments from Monday 22 September to Sunday 14 December 2025.
The Licensing Act 2003 requires us to produce a Statement of Licensing Policy, and to update it every five years. We adopted our current statement in 2020.
We want to know what you think about the draft statement, so are undertaking a 12-week public consultation to let you have your say.
The changes made are all minor adjustments.
Your views will help us decide the final content of the documents.
We will consider all comments, although we cannot respond to them individually.
Have your say
Select the 'Take the survey' button on this page to have your say.
A hard copy version of this survey can be downloaded here:
If you are completing a hard copy survey, please return it to our Customer Service Centre in person or via post at the following address:
Communications and Engagement Team, Customer Service Centre, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY
The survey closes on Sunday 14 December 2025. Any responses received after this date will not be considered.
If you are in need of any further assistance, please email us at communications@cambridge.gov.uk.
Next steps
We will present a report based on the consultation results to Licensing Committee in January 2026.
The outcome will be published in January 2026.
Phases
Publish report
- Collate all responses received.
- Produce a report of the findings.
Are you in favour of the proposed draft Statement of Licensing Policy?
Why are you not in favour of the proposed draft Statement of Licensing Policy?
This question was only presented to those who answered 'No' to question 1. The below is a summary of all responses to question 2.
Several respondents expressed concerns that the proposed draft Statement of Licensing Policy is either not strict enough or too restrictive. One respondent argued for much stricter measures from a public health perspective to limit alcohol-related harm. In contrast, another felt the policy is overly restrictive and called for fewer paternalistic rules to support a more vibrant community.
A key theme was the omission of the “agent of change” principle, with one respondent highlighting its importance in protecting established venues from restrictions due to new developments nearby. This respondent also noted the ongoing loss of licensed venues in Cambridge, especially outside the city centre, and stressed the need for the policy to prioritise the protection of these community assets.
Overall, the main trends were calls for either stricter public health controls or fewer restrictions, and a strong emphasis on safeguarding existing licensed venues and adopting the agent of change principle.