Licensing Act 2003
The transfer from the old licensing system to the Licensing Act 2003 has now taken place. The main changes were:
- alcohol licensing transferred from the magistrates to the council
- the justices’ licence replaced by two new licences – the ‘personal licence’ and the ‘premises licence'
- permitted hours abolished and operators to choose their own opening and closing times
- providers of entertainment and other activities will need a premises licence
The council will deal with all licences. We will be guided in all our decisions by the guidance issued by the Secretary of State and the Licensing Policy. We may only deviate with good reason to do so.
Objections
The council must automatically grant all applications unless it receives an objection (relevant representation) relating to one or more of the licensing objectives. Should a relevant representation be received, there will be a hearing to decide whether to grant or refuse the application. Each application will be considered on its own merits.
The licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm
Review of Premises Licences/Club Premises Certificates (CPCs)
The council must hear an application for review of a premises licence/club premises certificate, if the stated grounds relate to one or more of the licensing objectives. Should an application be received it will be advertised and invitations will be sought for other representations. There will be a hearing to decide the application.
What is required to make an application?
For information and application forms select the relevant links below: