The Licensing Committee fulfils the functions of the Licensing Authority in relation to the licensing of premises for the sale or supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment (hot food or hot drink provided at any time between 11pm and 5am) and in relation to the Gambling Act.

The Council is concerned to ensure that its meetings are as open as possible and confidential business is kept to the strict minimum. When confidential items are involved these are considered at the end of the meeting at which point members of the public are asked to leave.