Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 replaced the previously separate regimes covering alcohol, public entertainment, theatres, cinemas, late night refreshment houses and night cafés with a single regime.

The Licensing Act 2003 is based upon promotion of the following four objectives:

The prevention of crime and disorder
The prevention of public nuisance
Public safety
The protection of children (PDF File, 68kb) from harm.

The council has approved its licensing policy and sets out how those businesses that need a licence can comply with the promotion of the four objectives. The Statement of Licensing Policy (PDF File, 452kb) was adopted in January 2011.

The council has a duty to publish the Licensing Act 2003 Public Register (PDF File, 1,814kb) , which lists premises that have licences and details of personal licences.

What needs Licensing?

Under the act any of the following 'licensable activities' will require a licence:

The sale of alcohol
The supply of alcohol to members of registered clubs and their guests
The supply of late night refreshments i.e. hot food or drink between the hours of 11pm and 5am (this will include mobile vans)
The provision of regulated entertainment.

Regulated entertainment includes the performance of a play, an exhibition of a film, an indoor sporting event, a boxing or wrestling entertainment, a performance of dance and the provision of facilities for making music or for dancing.

What do I need to apply for ?