THE NEW LICENSING LAWS

Release date: January 2005

Last year Parliament passed the Licensing Act 2003 that will sweep away the old licensing system and introduce a completely new system which is due to come in force on the 5th February 2005 with a transitional period until November 2005.

The main changes:

  • Flexible opening hours with the potential for opening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Transfer of Licences governed by the Magistrates to Licences issued by the Local Authority.
  • A single scheme for licensing which will bring together the existing licensing of alcohol, public entertainment, cinemas, theatres, night refreshment houses and cafes in order to reduce red tape.

It will be your responsibility to make all the necessary applications to the Council for a new Licence or to convert your existing Licence. If you do nothing then both you and your premises will become unlicensed.

Existing Licences will be replaced by the following:

    Premises Licence:
  • Needed where licensable activities are going to take place.
  • For alcohol to be sold on premises there must be a designated Premises Supervisor responsible.
  • The Premises Supervisor must be the holder of a Personal Licence and their name will be endorsed on the premises Licence.
    Personal Licence:
  • Needed by anyone who wants to allow the retail sale of alcohol as part of their business.
  • Personal Licences will be valid for 10 years and will allow the holder to sell alcohol anywhere in the country at premises that have a valid Premises Licence.
  • A Personal Licence Holder must have an accredited qualification.
    Temporary Event Notices (TEN):
  • One off event licences which will replace the existing Occasional Permissions or Licence.
  • Only needed where there will be more than 500 people attending.
  • Personal Licence Holders may be able to hold up to 50 temporary or occasional licence events in the year.

If you are an existing Licensee it is essential that you take steps now to convert your existing Licence. Conversion under the transitional provisions allows limited rights of objection from the Council and police.

    Club Premises Certificate:
  • The special nature of the Members Club is preserved under the new legislation.
  • A Club which is the holder of a Club Registration Certificate may apply within 6 months of the first appointed day for a Club Premises Certificate.
    We offer:
  • Fixed fee quotations for conversion.
  • Straightforward advice.
  • Flexible appointments.

If you would like to discuss how these new laws will impact upon you and your business contact Chris Wiper on 01325 376915 or email chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk.

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