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 authorise 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 the holder can apply to vary the licence at any time to amend existing licensable activities or add new ones. Variation applications 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 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. Anyone can view licensing applications via the council's public access page.
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?
No. The legislation has recently changed which allows representations from anyone. However your representation must still be relevant to the premises, the licensing objectives as above and cannot be frivolous or vexatious.
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 (IPR1) 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 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.
Petitions
The Licensing Authority will accept petitions, but there are some important factors to consider before organizing a petition:
- We ask that the instigator of the petition identifies themselves as a central point of contact. We may need to make contact in order to verify certain matters and if we are unable to do this it could invalidate the petition.
- Each page of the petition should contain information as to the purpose of the petition so that all persons know what they are signing.
- Full names and addresses must be supplied, and finally
- All signatories must be made aware that a copy of the petition will be supplied to the applicant and a copy will be contained within the committee papers, so their personal details will become public knowledge.
We will not write to each signatory separately, but instead assume that the instigator will advise each signatory of the hearing date and the final outcome of the application. It is expected that the instigator will represent the signatories at the hearing and to speak for them.