Alcohol and entertainment licencing

The Licensing Act 2003 became law on 24th November 2005 and this date saw the responsibility for the issue of licences for the sale or supply of alcohol pass from the local magistrates court to the Council (the licensing authority). The law guides the Council on how a licence should be issued, who should be consulted, the fee to be charged, the enforcement duties, offences and powers of entry.
 
A Premises Licence or a Club Premises Certificate or, in certain circumstances, a Temporary Events Notice will be necessary to carry out what are known as 'licensable activities' in a premises. These activities are described by the new licensing act as being:

• any sale of of alcohol by retail; 
• the supply of alcohol in a members club;
• regulated entertainment, such as films, plays, indoor sports, boxing or wrestling, live or recorded music or dancing;
• late night refreshment (hot food or hot drink between 11.00pm and 5.00am the next day).

The Department for Culture Media and Sport have provided useful information covering all aspects of the Licensing Act 2003.

National Guidance to Licensing Authorities and Police

To assist licensing authorities in dealing with applications under the Licensing Act 2003, the Home Office has published the latest version  of its Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.