LGA briefs on public health and licensing ahead of new role for councils

The Local Government Association and Alcohol Research UK have published a briefing on public health and licensing in England.

The briefing has been issued ahead of the transfer of responsibility for public health from the NHS to local authorities in April 2013.

It sets out for councillors and officers the challenges facing councils and the opportunities they have to tackle alcohol-related harm through the licensing process.

The briefing highlights the changes brought about by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which amended licensing legislation to give health authorities a statutory role in the licensing process.

It says that under the forthcoming changes to NHS and public health structures, it is envisaged that responsibility for engagement in licensing will fall to the Director of Public Health or delegated individuals. The topic is also expected to be of interest to health and wellbeing boards.

The briefing document is intended to set out the legislative framework for that relationship, identify some of the challenges that local areas will need to address, and provide guidance for effective engagement.

It says: “This new responsibility and opportunity should be seen alongside the transfer of public health from the NHS to local government and Public Health England.

“This is one of the most significant extensions of local government powers and duties in a generation and represents a unique opportunity to change the focus from treating sickness to actively promoting health and wellbeing. Alcohol licensing is an area that is worth exploring with these new roles.”

The briefing covers:

  • The Licensing Act 2003;
  • The role of health authorities in alcohol licensing, and the form representations should take;
  • What happens to those representations;
  • The policy context and in particular the Government’s consultation on the 2012 Alcohol Strategy, which includes an invitation to comment on the proposal to introduce a public health licensing objective in areas of cumulative impact;
  • Partnerships and support; and
  • Suggested documents to read.

A copy of the briefing can be viewed here.