Introduction - The New Licensing Laws

The Licensing Act 2003 received Royal Ascent on the 10th July 2003.

Under the provisions of this Act Local Authorities will become responsible for dealing with what are termed in the Act as “licensable Activities”

The purpose of the Licensing Act is to integrate the existing licensing regimes into one system of licensing

The Licensing Act 2003 will change the existing laws about the types of licenses needed for the following premises/events:

• Pubs and nightclubs
• Indoor sporting events including boxing or wrestling wherever it takes place
• Off-licenses
• Restaurants that serve alcohol
• Businesses offering hot food between 11pm and 5am, e.g. late night cafes, take-aways, etc
• Hotels, guesthouses and other places that sell alcohol, e.g. supermarkets and convenience stores
• Private members clubs, sports and social clubs and clubs associated with business
• Theatres and amateur dramatics groups
• Garage forecourts
• Cinemas
• Organisers of Regulated Entertainment, e.g. Community Centres

Under the new Licensing Act 2003: -

• Licensees, the local Authority (Council) and other agencies must all work together to promote the licensing objectives.
• The Council and not the Magistrate’s Court will deal with and be responsible for all of the licenses listed above.
• New flexible opening hours will be introduced, with the potential for up to 24 hour opening, seven days a week depending on the impact on local residents.

On the 7th February 2005 the start of the transition period will commence (this starting point is referred to as the first appointed day).

The transition period, which it is currently understood will last for 6 months, will end approximately in August 2005. During this transition period Local Authorities will decide upon all applications for licenses, which will then become effective from the 2ND appointed day (November 2005).

The Licensing Act 2003 introduces Premises Certificates , Club Premises Certificates , Personal Licences Temporary Event Notices . Until the Act comes into force, and for a period afterwards whilst transitional arrangements are in place, South Bucks District Council will continue to run separate schemes for public entertainments and night cafe's .

We also licence door supervisors, although these will pass to the Security Industry Authority in due course. This Authority is committed to ensuring a smooth and timely transition to the new Licensing system. We will therefore be updating these pages on a regular basis to keep you informed of what action the Council is taking to prepare for this important change and our policy is available for download.