Under the Licensing Act 2003, Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), acting as the Licensing Authority for the Huntingdonshire District, has a statutory duty to adopt a Statement of Licensing Policy on how it proposes to exercise its functions under the Act. The current Statement of Licensing Policy expires on 6 January 2026.
Therefore, HDC is again in the process of reviewing and updating the policy. The new version will come into effect on 7 January 2026 and last for a further period of 5 years, unless it is reviewed again in the interim.
We want to hear from residents, businesses and key organisations. Your feedback is important as it will help shape how licensing decisions are made in the district over the next few years.
Whether you live near a pub, run a business, or attend local events, your input is valuable in ensuring the policy meets the needs of everyone in the community.
HDC welcomes any comments that you may wish to make on the content of the draft policy.
View the Draft Statement Of Licensing Policy 2026 - 2031You can participate in the consultation from 28 July 2025 to 7 September 2025.
The specific changes to the policy include:
Section 5 - Agent of Change
References the agent of change principles in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework and how existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established.
Section 6 - Equality and Inclusion in Licensed Premises
Outlines licence holder and local authorities’ legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010
Section 7 - Women’s Safety and Wider Vulnerability
Outlines the local authorities’ commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and gives examples of measure that can be taken by licensed premises to promote women and vulnerable persons safety including the adoption of ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme.
Section 21 - The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act
References the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, which will soon become legislation. This is also known as Martyn’s Law.