Licensing
The Police Licensing Team operates across the force area, providing specialist oversight, guidance, and enforcement in relation to licensing matters. The team offers expert advice and responds to applications submitted under the Licensing Act, Gambling Act, Scrap Metal Dealers Act, and a range of miscellaneous licensing regimes.
Working closely with partners, licence holders, and local communities, the team plays a key role in reducing crime, disorder, and vulnerability associated with licensed premises. Through targeted intervention, collaborative problem‑solving, and a strong focus on safeguarding, the team helps to maintain safe and well‑managed environments across Derbyshire’s towns and nightlife areas.
Team Structure
- 1 Inspector
- 1 Sergeant
- 7 Police Constables
- 3 Licensing Coordinators
- Police Support Volunteers
Our Role
The licensing teams work proactively to safeguard communities and uphold licensing standards. Their core responsibilities include:
- Reviewing all applications for licensable activities and making representations on behalf of the Chief Constable where appropriate
- Supporting licence holders and operators with best-practice guidance, advice and compliance assistance
- Working in partnership with local authorities, public health, fire services and other stakeholders to provide a coordinated approach to licensing issues
- Assisting Safer Neighbourhood Teams in tackling crime, disorder and vulnerability linked to Licenced Premises
- Providing advice to communities on licensing concerns and how to raise issues safely
- Delivering an operational licensing response during periods of higher demand, including major events and peak nightlife hours
- Managing police responses to scrap metal licensing enquiries, following changes to legislation introduced in October 2013.
How the Licensing Team Supports Licensees
The Police Licensing Team provides comprehensive support to licence holders to help them operate safe, compliant, and well‑managed premises. This support includes:
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Providing Expert Advice
The team offers guidance on meeting legal responsibilities under the Licensing Act, Gambling Act, Scrap Metal Dealers Act and other licensing frameworks. This includes advice on conditions, operating schedules, risk assessments, safeguarding measures and event management.
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Promoting Best Practice
Officers work proactively with licensees to promote responsible management of venues. This includes sharing best‑practice approaches to security, staff training, intoxication management, incident recording, and creating safe environments for customers and staff.
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Supporting Proof‑of‑Age and Safeguarding Measures
The team assists premises in implementing robust proof‑of‑age schemes and safeguarding procedures. This helps prevent underage sales, reduce vulnerability, and protect those at risk within the night‑time economy.
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Offering Early Intervention and Problem-Solving
Where issues are emerging such as rising incidents, complaints, or vulnerability concerns. The team works with licensees to identify solutions early. This collaborative approach aims to prevent formal enforcement action by addressing problems before they escalate.
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Delivering Training and Engagement
The team engages regularly with licensees through meetings, briefings, proactive visits, and, in some areas, newsletters. These interactions help ensure that premises are informed about legislative updates, local trends, and partnership initiatives.
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Working in Partnership
By linking licensees with local authorities, community safety partnerships, Pubwatch groups, and other agencies, the team ensures a joined‑up approach to managing risk and supporting Derbyshire’s night‑time economy.
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Providing a Point of Contact for Queries
Licensees can contact the team for day‑to‑day advice, clarification on licensing conditions, or concerns relating to crime, disorder, or safeguarding. This ongoing support helps maintain positive, productive relationships between licence holders and the police.
Crime Prevention and Partnership Schemes
Derbyshire Constabulary works closely with a range of partners to support safe, vibrant communities:
- Local authority licensing teams
- Environmental Health
- Trading Standards
- Fire and Rescue Service
- BCRP scheme and PubWatch Scheme
- Night‑time economy forums
- Community Safety Partnerships
These partnerships help identify issues early, coordinate enforcement activity, and provide support to licensees where improvement is needed.
Derbyshire BCRP- The team works closely with the Derbyshire BCRP team to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour within the City and Town Centres.
Pub Watch- The team work with Pub Watch Schemes a voluntary scheme which allows licensees to work together to reduce anti-social behaviour related to alcohol and substance misuse, improving the safety of their premises for customers, staff and the local community. Each scheme has a nominated Police Licensing officer supported by a Police Support Volunteer.
False and Fraudulently Used Identification Bailment Scheme
Derbyshire Constabulary also works with licensed premises to tackle the growing issue of false or fraudulently used identification. Through the Identification Bailment Scheme, door staff are encouraged to safely retain suspected false, altered, or misused identification presented at the point of entry. These items are securely handed to the Police Licensing Team for assessment, intelligence development, and appropriate follow‑up action. This partnership approach helps prevent underage access to licensed venues, supports safeguarding efforts, and provides valuable information to identify emerging trends, organised procurement of false ID, and patterns of vulnerability within the night‑time economy.
Best Bar None
Best Bar None is an accredited, national crime‑prevention and safety initiative designed to promote high standards within the night‑time economy. The scheme encourages licensed premises to operate responsibly, create safer environments for staff and customers, and work proactively with partners to reduce alcohol‑related harm.
Derbyshire Constabulary actively supports the Best Bar None programme, which currently operates across Derby City and various locations within Derbyshire. Through joint working with local authorities, venue operators, and community safety partnerships, the scheme recognises and rewards premises that demonstrate excellence in management, security, and customer care.
Participation in Best Bar None helps licensees to:
- Strengthen safeguarding and vulnerability‑reduction measures
- Improve staff training and operational standards
- Reduce crime, disorder and anti‑social behaviour linked to licensed premises
- Build stronger relationships with police and partner agencies
- Contribute to a safer, more welcoming night‑time economy for residents and visitors
The Police Licensing Team works alongside Best Bar None coordinators to encourage participation, provide guidance to applicants, and support venues as they work toward accreditation.
Reporting Concerns About Licensed Premises
We encourage members of the public, businesses, and partners to report any concerns relating to licensed premises, including:
- Underage sales
- Violence or disorder linked to a premises
- Drug use or supply
- Safety concerns or poor management
- Persistent breaches of licence conditions
Reports can be made via:
- 101 for non‑emergencies
- 999 in an emergency
- Crimestoppers for anonymous reporting
- Online via the forms on our website or via Live Chat
- Local council licensing teams for civil concerns
Your information helps us take appropriate action and support venues in meeting their responsibilities.
Contact the Licensing Team
For general licensing enquiries:
📧 [email protected]
📍 Derbyshire Constabulary Headquarters, Ripley, Derbyshire
⏱ We aim to respond to licensing enquiries within standard working hours
For applications, reviews, and formal submissions, please contact the relevant local authority licensing team in your district.
Local authority licensing links:
Derbyshire Dales District Council