Principal Licensing Officer

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide expert leadership and technical support across the Council's premises licensing and taxi/private hire licensing functions, ensuring licensing decisions are lawful, consistent and aligned with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and Council policy. The Principal Licensing Officer will lead on complex licensing matters, provide professional advice to colleagues and elected Members, and support the effective delivery of licensing services that promote public safety and the licensing objectives.

• Lead on complex and high-profile premises licensing and taxi/private hire licensing cases, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
• Provide expert advice on the application of the Licensing Act 2003, ensuring decisions promote the four licensing objectives.
• Manage a wide range of premises licence applications, reviews, variations, representations, appeals and compliance matters.
• Advise on appropriate licence conditions and support the preparation of reports for Licensing Committee hearings and other decision-making panels.
• Oversee complex taxi and private hire licensing matters relating to drivers, vehicles and operators under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
• Provide technical guidance on safeguarding, enforcement and suitability assessments, ensuring decisions are evidence-based, proportionate and consistent.
• Chair officer panels to determine whether applicants are fit and proper persons to hold dual driver licences, ensuring decisions align with Council policy and statutory guidance.
• Support the interpretation, development and consistent application of licensing policies, procedures and best practice.
• Provide mentoring and technical support to licensing officers, promoting consistency and high standards across the service.
• Develop effective working relationships with elected Members, responsible authorities, safeguarding partners, internal Council services and representatives from the licensed trade.
• Contribute to coordinated enforcement activity and promote compliance through partnership working and professional engagement.
• Ensure accurate record keeping, high-quality case management and compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

• Significant experience working within a local authority licensing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the Licensing Act 2003, Section 182 Guidance, Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex premises licensing and taxi/private hire licensing cases.
• Experience preparing reports and presenting licensing matters to committees or decision-making panels.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and their application within licensing functions.
• Excellent knowledge of licensing enforcement, investigations and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to interpret legislation, statutory guidance and Council policy to provide clear, practical advice.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a range of partners.
• Proven ability to make balanced, evidence-based decisions in a regulatory environment.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.