This page contains information for members of the public and businesses wishing to make representations (objections) to us about licensing applications e.g. applications for new premises licences or applications to vary existing premises licences and club premises certificates made under the Licensing Act 2003. If you need any help or advice about anything on this page please contact us by telephone or email. Our telephone line is open Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 4:30pm. You can also offer us feedback on our service by filling out our online customer feedback form.
What type of licences are granted under the Licensing Act 2003?
Premises licences are granted to a premises to approve it for one or more licensable activities. The licensable activities are as follows:
- the sale by retail of alcohol
- the provision of regulated entertainment
- the provision of late night refreshment (i.e. the sale of hot food and drink between 23:00 and 05:00)
Once a premises licence has been issued applications can be made to 'vary' the licence to amend existing licensable activities or add new ones. These applications to vary follow a similar application process to the applications for new first time licences.
The licensing authority is also able to grant club premises certificates to registered members only clubs to allow club activities such as the supply of alcohol to club members and the provision of regulated entertainment. Like the premises licences, club premises certificates can also be varied.
Applications can also be made for provisional statements. While not a licence as such, these statements are issued for premises that have not yet been built or premises which are about to be altered so they can provide licensable activities. The process to apply for a provisional statement is similar to that for a new premises licence.
How will I know about these licence applications?
All of the applications mentioned above will be advertised. A blue notice will be placed at or on the premises for a period of 28 days starting with the day after the application was given to the council. A newspaper advert will also appear in a local newspaper within 10 days of the application being given to the council.
On what grounds can I make a representation?
Representations must be based on or one or more of the following licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm.
If having seen the notices mentioned above you are concerned that the grant of the licence would impact on one or more of these objectives you should consider making a representation.
Does it matter how far I live from the premises?
You should include your name and address when making a representation. This will help the Licensing Authority decide whether or not you are living in the vicinity of the premises were the application has been made. Please note your name and address will be made known to the applicant.
How do I make a representation?
On this page you can download a guidance document which gives detailed information about the making of representations. You should download this document and read it carefully before using the special representation form (also available on this page) to send your representation to the council.
What happens after I have made a representation?
The licensing authority will carry out some checks to make sure your representation meets all the requirements of the legislation. Assuming we can accept it we will then arrange a licensing committee hearing. You will be invited to attend the hearing to repeat your representation although you do not have to attend. You will be sent a 'notice of hearing' document before the hearing which explains in detail what will happen at the hearing.