The Borough of Castle Morpeth has 49,000 inhabitants, half of whom live in the two main settlements of Morpeth and Ponteland. The area is otherwise primarily rural with numerous outlying villages, and a thriving tourism and leisure industry which attracts many visitors. Concentrations of leisure and entertainment facilities in the Borough are found in the two larger centres, and mainly comprise of pubs, clubs, restaurants, takeaways and off licences. Whilst activities in rural communities frequently occur in local pubs, social clubs and village halls,  larger events and gatherings tend to take place in Morpeth or Ponteland.
  
The Licensing Act 2003 requires Castle Morpeth Borough Council, as Licensing Authority, to prepare a statement of licensing policy for the Borough to guide its decision making.

The Council recognises that balancing the interests of licensees, employees, customers and local people living near to licensed premises will not always be a simple matter. In exercising its responsibilities it will always be guided by the four principal objectives of the Act:

· The prevention of crime and disorder
· Public safety
· The prevention of public nuisance; and
· The protection of children from harm

 The Council recognises that each objective has equal importance. It will use its powers to promote good practice in relation to the operation of licensed premises, and to deter poor practice, in the belief that this is in the interests of the licensees, employees, customers and neighbours.

The Licensing Authority has consulted persons listed in section 5(3) of the Act and these bodies are listed within this statement. Mindful of other interested persons in Castle Morpeth, the Licensing Authority has added to this list.

You can download a copy of the Council's licensing policy from the link on the right.