Traffic Light scheme

Avon and Somerset Constabulary and North Somerset Council have introduced a licensing Traffic Light system. This is applicable to all premises in North Somerset with a premises licence or club premises certificate.

The scheme provides a simple and transparent monitoring tool which brings together data from the Licensing Authority and all Responsible Authorities in a way designed to highlight problematic premises at an early stage.

The data collection takes all four licensing objectives into account and also recognises good practice.

Advice and assistance will be provided to premises where there is a need to improve standards and practices in order to prevent escalation of the problems identified.

The aim is to avoid the need for enforcement action by intervening early, but this will not supersede the requirement for such action where it is necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Green premises

Green zone premises are those who promote the licensing objectives and operate without incident. Premises in this area are generally well run and pose no significant risks to licensing objectives.

Amber premises

Amber zone premises require closer monitoring and engagement. This is to prevent an escalation of incidents. They will be notified when they move into the amber zone from green.

The licence/certificate holder and/or the designated premises' supervisor will be contacted by the Licensing Authority or relevant Responsible Authority.

They will be invited to a formal meeting at which an action plan will be agreed lasting for up to 12 weeks. The aim of the action plan will be to bring the premises back into the green zone by improving standards.

Red premises

When a premises moves from the amber zone to red zone, the licence/certificate holder and/or designated premises supervisor will be informed.

Premises in the red zone are undermining the licensing objectives. They require immediate action to be taken by the licence/certificate holder.

All premises in the red zone will be assessed by the appropriate Responsible Authority. A review of the licence will be the primary consideration.

The Licensing Authority will meet with the licence/certificate holder. Their aim will be to bring the premises out of the red zone.

They may decide to revise the action plan agreed at amber stage. They may also set a time limit for the premises to implement remedial action.

It may be possible that the amber zone action plan has not been implemented or problems persist. In this case, the relevant responsible authority will consider if a review of the premises licence/certificate is appropriate.