An introduction to the new licensing system for selling alcohol, providing entertainment, or providing late night refreshment under the Licensing Act 2003. This section has advice for local residents about the new licences - see Questions and Answers and Advice on Making Representations.
The aims of the new licensing system are to:
- Modernise and integrate the various licensing systems
- Make applications simple and reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation on business
- Transfer drinks licensing from Magistrates to the Local Authority so that local needs and issues can be considered when granting licences
- Strike a balance between reducing crime and disorder, and encourage responsible drinking, tourism and business support
- Strike a balance between the rights of licensees and the communities in which they operate
Licensing Objectives
Local authorities, the Police and licensees are required to promote four new licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
Summary of the New System
- flexible opening hours for licensed premises, with the potential for up to 24 hour opening, seven days a week, subject to consideration of the impact on local residents. This will help to minimise public disorder resulting from fixed closing times
- a single scheme for licensing premises which sell alcohol, provide public entertainment or provide refreshment late at night
- a new system of personal licences which allow holders to sell or serve alcohol for consumption on or off any premises possessing a premises licence
- personal and premises licences to be issued by local authorities
