(1)Each licensing authority must in respect of each three year period—
(a)determine its policy with respect to the exercise of its licensing functions, and
(b)publish a statement of that policy (a “licensing statement”) before the beginning of the period.
(2)In this section “three year period” means—
(a)the period of three years beginning with such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint, and
(b)each subsequent period of three years.
(3)Before determining its policy for a three year period, a licensing authority must consult—
(a)the chief officer of police for the licensing authority’s area,
(b)the fire authority for that area,
(c)such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of premises licences issued by that authority,
(d)such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of club premises certificates issued by that authority,
(e)such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of personal licences issued by that authority, and
(f)such other persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of businesses and residents in its area.
(4)During each three year period, a licensing authority must keep its policy under review and make such revisions to it, at such times, as it considers appropriate.
(5)Subsection (3) applies in relation to any revision of an authority’s policy as it applies in relation to the original determination of that policy.
(6)Where revisions are made, the licensing authority must publish a statement of the revisions or the revised licensing statement.
(7)Regulations may make provision about the determination and revision of policies, and the preparation and publication of licensing statements, under this section.