Each of the licensing functions, administered by the Council, is designed primarily to provide safe premises, prevent unsafe practices and generally protect members of the public in their everyday enjoyment of life and social activities.

Licensing also promotes and protects the welfare of animals in pet shops, established boarding facilities or the hiring of services such as horse riding. Standards are maintained through inspection of premises by Council Enforcement Officers with the support of the Police and the Fire Safety Officer.

It is an offence to operate without a licence or not to comply with conditions imposed in a licence. Officers regularly inspect established licensed premises and will also visit premises which come to their attention where a licence is not held. Officers have powers of entry and where infringements are noted may recommend prosecution.

For some types of licence, applicants must display a notice at their premises and put an advertisement in a local newspaper. Members of the public have the right to make formal objections to such applications.

All licence fees are valid until 31 March 2008 unless stated otherwise.