Licensing Reforms

As indicated below, the timetable for the new reforms starts in February 2005. We set out below the main issues and points to consider.

The Licensing Act 2003 radically reforms Licensing Law for:

• The sale and supply of alcohol
• Regulated entertainment
• Late Night Cafes
   

This is of vital importance for:

• Pubs
• Clubs
• Restaurants
• Members Clubs
• Cafes and takeaways which are open after 11.00pm
• Most places of entertainment
   

Timetable for reform:

• The timetable starts 7 February 2005
• Between 7 February 2005 and probably November 2005 all existing licences and certificates must be converted to their equivalent under the new Act
• New licences will be dormant until November 2005 when they become active and all previous licences will be cancelled!
   

Key points:

• Separate Premises Licence usually requiring a Premises Supervisor if alcohol is to be sold
• New Personal Licences for Premises Supervisors
• All licences issued by District Council (or Unitary Authority)
   

Focus on:

• Protection of children
• Preventing crime and disorder
• Avoiding public nuisance
• In theory no restriction or operating hours
   

Requirements for Premises Licences:

• Accurate large scale plan of the premises
• Detailed Operating Schedule
• Application
• Fee
   

Requirements for Personal Licences:

• Either applicant to hold a Justices Licence
• Or applicant to hold a licensing qualification such as NLC
• In practice the detailed requirements vary as each establishment is different
   

What you should do:

• Ensure you have up-to-date copies of all of your existing licensing documents (Justices Licence or Club Registration Certificate, Special Hours Certificate, Children’s Certificate, Public Entertainments Licence, Late Night Refreshments Licence etc)
• Decide if you want to be able to open later than you can now
• Decide if you want to do something different maybe allow accompanied children in your premises or provide entertainment
• See one of our Licensing Specialists to discuss your detailed requirements
   

Contact Details

Patrick Cordingley, Partner
Chattertons Solicitors
18 South Street, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6DS
Phone: (01507) 522456
E-mail: patrick.cordingley@chattertons.com

Peter Lawson, Partner
Chattertons Solicitors
4 South Square, Boston, Lincs, PE21 6HX
Phone: (01205) 310025
E-mail: peter.lawson@chattertons.com

Ben Ellis, Partner
Chattertons Solicitors
5 Market Street, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7SQ
Phone: (01529) 411500
E-mail: ben.ellis@chattertons.com

David Rogerson, Partner
Chattertons Solicitors
Trentside Business Village, Farndon Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 4XB
Phone: (01636) 673731
E-mail: david.rogerson@chattertons.com

Stuart Farrar, Executive
Chattertons Solicitors
30 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 6TH
Phone: (01476) 591550
E-mail: stuart.farrar@chattertons.com