Worthing sees record licensing applications with more people than ever looking to set up shop

That’s according to Worthing Borough Council, which said ‘more people than ever before’ are looking to set up shop in Worthing – with 60 ‘major applications’ to date.

A council spokesperson said: “The licensing team at Worthing Borough Council are the busiest they have ever been, with more new and existing businesses seeking permission to provide entertainment, sell alcohol, food or refreshments and offer taxi and private hire services.

"A thriving mixed hospitality industry and night-time economy encourages tourism, boosts local business and helps make the town a more vibrant place to live.”

Sharon Clarke, of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said it has been ‘great to see an abundance of new businesses opening’ in Worthing recently – ‘many adding to the lively night-time offer’.

The town centre manager added: “With all the uncertainty in the economy currently it’s a scary time to be investing, so having so many entrepreneurs choosing Worthing is really positive for the town.

"The town has a great offer, both during the day and for a night out, and by supporting local businesses it will continue to develop.”

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The council said the role of its licensing team is to protect the public, manage the balance between what’s good for business and the community and to ensure that venues remain safe and manageable.

The team ‘works closely to deliver this’ with Sussex Police, the councils’ environmental health services and ‘other responsible authorities’.

The spokesperson added: “In 2019, the last full year prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the council’s licensing unit processed 40 major licensing applications in Worthing.

"These are applications that require public notice and consultation, and a hearing if there are objections to a new bar, restaurant, takeaway, store or night club which could potentially bring disturbance to a neighbourhood.

"In 2022, the team has processed 60 major applications to date and expects to receive more before the end of the year.”

The council said officers suspect that the increase in applications is ‘not only because of a rollover from the pandemic’ – but also because more people are ‘looking to change their line of work and lifestyle post the national lockdowns’.

The licensing committee’s new chairman, Sally Smith, takes charge of the meetings in Worthing alongside fellow borough councillors and members of the council’s licensing and legal teams.

Councillor Smith said: “It’s fantastic to see that more people are looking to set up licensed businesses in the borough and contribute to the town’s growing night-time economy.

“Our role as the licensing committee is to ensure we’re balancing the requests for licences with the needs of the community and the neighbours surrounding the proposed site.

“I look forward to working with the committee to bring a greater and more diverse evening offering to Worthing.”

The committee is required to focus on the statutory requirements of the Licensing Act. These include the prevention of crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and protecting children from potential harm.

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