Are you ready for the Licensing Act 2003?
Release date: March 2006

The new Licensing laws came into effect on 24th November 2005

Every business or club that sells hot food after 11pm serves alcohol or puts on public entertainment will have converted their licence – even if they didn’t want to change their hours. The deadline for converting licences was 6th August.

Any pub, restaurant, kebab shop, sports club, theatre, music venue or cinema that does not have a new licence on 24th November will face prosecution if they continue to trade.

The Licensing Act 2003 replaces archaic laws, which date back to the First World War. The new laws will:

• recognise that the vast majority of people should be treated like the adults they are
• give the industry the flexibility to meet the needs of their customers
• give police and local authorities tough powers to deal with drunken yobs and rogue traders who encourage binge and underage drinking
• give local residents, police and local businesses a say in the licensing decisions that affect them

For further information contact Chris Wiper
chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk

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