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Have your say and help shape how the council makes decisions about alcohol, entertainment and late-night venues.
Norwich City Council is reviewing its Statement of Licensing Policy. We are required by law to update this policy at least every five years, and to consult the public and key stakeholders before any revised policy is adopted.
What the policy covers
The policy sets out how the council makes decisions about licenses for:
The sale of alcohol
Live music, theatre, film and other regulated entertainment
Late-night refreshment – hot food or drink sold after 11pm
What has changed
Our current policy was adopted in December 2021. The revised draft has been updated to reflect changes in national guidance, including the new National Licensing Policy Framework introduced in November 2025, and to make the council’s approach clearer and more transparent.
Most of the proposed changes are updates, clarifications and improvements to existing policy rather than entirely new rules. The draft policy aims to support responsible businesses while continuing to protect residents, communities and the safety of everyone who visits and works in Norwich.
Have your say
You can read the draft policy and a plain English summary of the main changes. We want to hear from residents, businesses, licence holders and anyone with an interest in how licensing works in Norwich.
All responses will be analysed and summarised in a report to the Licensing Committee in September 2026. The committee’s recommendations will inform the final policy, which will be approved by full council.
The consultation is open from 18 May until 9 August 2026
Have your say and help shape how the council makes decisions about alcohol, entertainment and late-night venues.
Norwich City Council is reviewing its Statement of Licensing Policy. We are required by law to update this policy at least every five years, and to consult the public and key stakeholders before any revised policy is adopted.
What the policy covers
The policy sets out how the council makes decisions about licenses for:
The sale of alcohol
Live music, theatre, film and other regulated entertainment
Late-night refreshment – hot food or drink sold after 11pm
What has changed
Our current policy was adopted in December 2021. The revised draft has been updated to reflect changes in national guidance, including the new National Licensing Policy Framework introduced in November 2025, and to make the council’s approach clearer and more transparent.
Most of the proposed changes are updates, clarifications and improvements to existing policy rather than entirely new rules. The draft policy aims to support responsible businesses while continuing to protect residents, communities and the safety of everyone who visits and works in Norwich.
Have your say
You can read the draft policy and a plain English summary of the main changes. We want to hear from residents, businesses, licence holders and anyone with an interest in how licensing works in Norwich.
All responses will be analysed and summarised in a report to the Licensing Committee in September 2026. The committee’s recommendations will inform the final policy, which will be approved by full council.
The consultation is open from 18 May until 9 August 2026
We’re reviewing how we make decisions on alcohol sales, entertainment and late-night venues. Help shape an updated policy that supports responsible businesses and protects residents and visitors.
The consultation is open from 18 May to 3 August 2026.
