Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 established a single system for licensing premises which are used for the sale or supply of alcohol, providing regulated entertainment or late night refreshment.

Licensable activities are:

  • To sell alcohol by retail
  • If you are a qualifying club, to supply alcohol to a club member, or to sell alcohol to a guest of a club member
  • To provide regulated entertainment
  • To sell late night refreshment - selling hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am for consumption on or off the premises, (including take-aways and mobile caterers) unless you are a hotel, staff canteen or campsite.

These licensable activities may only be carried on under, and in accordance with, one of the following:

The Act itself sets out key licensing objectives that must be promoted by the council, as the licensing authority, in carrying out its duties under the licensing system.

The licensing objectives are:

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

Licence holders, the council and other agencies must all work together to promote these objectives.

Every premises where alcohol is supplied under the authority of a premises licence requires a Designated Premises Supervisor and such individuals must have a personal licence.

Statement of Licensing Policy

We have prepared a Statement of Licensing Policy which must be reviewed every five years or sooner if necessary. The purpose of the policy is to set out the approach that we intend to take when determining applications and carrying out our duties with regard to regulation and enforcement.

Enforcement

Throughout the year, officers of the licensing authority, together with other enforcement agencies may carry out risk based and unannounced inspections of all licensed premises to ensure conditions of licence and safe standards are being maintained. Should you have a concern about a licensed premises, please contact us.

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