Premises Licence

As of November 2005 a premises licence will allow the holder to use a specified licensed premises forlicensable activities. This new licence will be of unlimited duration unless otherwise requested.

There will no longer be statutory limitations to the hours or days during which businesses are able to provide these activities. It will be the Council's responsibility to decide whether the operating times (and all other conditions) for which licensees apply, are granted in the licence.

Who can apply?

• Any person (aged 18 or over) who carries on, or proposes to carry on, a business which involves the use of the premises for the licensable activities to which the application relates
• A recognised club
• A charity  The proprietor of an educational institution
• A health service body
• A person (aged 18 or over) registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 (c.14) in respect of an independent hospital
• The Chief Officer of Police
• A person (aged 18 or over) who makes the application pursuant to a statutory function they discharge relating to those licensable activities or a function discharged by virtue of Her Majesty's prerogative.

Considering applications
The Council will consider all applications on their individual merits and will follow the guidelines set out in our licensing policy statement. The decision that will be made will depend on whether there are any relevant representations.

How much does the licence cost?
For details of the cost and how to pay please see Premises Licence Fees.

Are there conditions that apply?
If you are supplying alcohol or exhibiting films the Licensing Act 2003 requires the Council to apply certain conditions. Other conditions which are consistent with your operating schedule and which promote the licensing objectives may be applied based on the facts in your operating schedule.

How long does a licence last?
Unless granted for a fixed period Premises Licences do not expire unless you send us a notice of surrender although they are subject to an annual administration fee. The licence will lapse if the holder of a licence dies, becomes mentally incapable, becomes insolvent, is dissolved or ceases to be a recognised club. In such cases you should contact us for advice to determine whether the licence can be reinstated. Whilst this may be a difficult time you are strongly recommended to contact us as soon as possible as interim notices must be served within 7 days.

Notifications
As licences do not normally expire you are required by law to notify the Licensing Authority when certain changes or proposed changes take place. This must be done as soon as is reasonable practicable. These may be subject to a fee.

• If the licence holder changes their name or address
• If the designated premises supervisor changes their name or address

These notifications should be accompanied by the licence or if this is not practicable with a statement of the reasons why it can not be produced.
If you wish to change any of the details on you licence such as

• The way you operate as set out in the operating schedule
• change the times or regulated activities you provide
• alter something specified on the plan provided

you must apply for a variation.

Designated Premises Supervisor
If you plan to sell or supply alcohol, you must nominate a designated premises supervisor. This person (who can be an individual who is the Premises Licence holder) must hold aPersonal Licenceshould be the person who is in day to day control of the premises. They must complete a form of consent.

Designated premises supervisors who wish to cease serving in this capacity may serve a notice on the Licensing Authority that they wish to be removed. If they are also the licence holder the notice should be accompanied by the licence or if this is not practicable with a statement of the reasons why it can not be produced. In other cases within 48 hours they must serve a copy of the notice on the licence holder and a further notice requiring them to forward the licence to the Council within 14 days. The removal notice will have effect when it is received unless a later date is stipulated and licence holders must be aware that they can not continue to sell or supply alcohol unless they apply to vary their licence.

What do I do with the licence?
When the premises are being used for any Licensable Activities the licence or a certified copy of it must be at the premises under the control of the licence holder or a person working at the premises who has been nominated in writing. The summary of the licence or a certified copy of it must be displayed at the premises together with a notice specifying the position held at the premises of the person in control of the licence. A constable or authorised officer can ask for the licence to be produced at anytime.