Licensing Act 2003
Introduction
The Licensing Act 2003 came into force on 24 November 2005. The Act established a single integrated scheme for licensing premises which are used for the supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment or the provision of late night refreshment. Permission to carry on some or all of these licensable activities is now contained in a single licence - the premises licence which is issued by the local authority
The Act provides certain rights of appeal to the magistrates' court for those who feel aggrieved by decisions made by licensing authorities. So a right of appeal is not only afforded to applicants where their application has been rejected, or has been granted subject to conditions, but is also afforded to those who made relevant representations in relation to an application.
Key measures contained in the Act include:
- A single premises licence which can permit premises to be used to supply alcohol, to provide music, dancing, film entertainment, indoor sporting events, plays, boxing or wrestling or provide facilities for making music or dancing (regulated entertainment) and to provide hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am.
- A new system of personal licences relating to the supply of alcohol which enables holders to move more freely between premises where a premises licence is in force
- A club premises certificate which can permit the supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment in private members clubs.
- Premises licences and club premises certificates issued by local authorities (as licensing authorities) after notification to and scrutiny of all applications by the police and other responsible authorities. Those living in and businesses operating in the vicinity of the premises can also make representations about applications
- Personal licences issued by licensing authorities after scrutiny by the police where the applicant has been convicted of certain offences.
- Temporary event notices given to licensing authorities for limited duration events with a capacity of less than 500 persons after scrutiny by the police to ensure that the event will not give rise to crime and disorder issues.
Statement of licensing policy
Wandsworth Council, as the Licensing Authority, has approved a Statement of Licensing Policy which is based on the four licensing objectives set down in the Act. These are:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- The prevention of public nuisance
- Public safety
- The protection of children from harm
Our first Statement of Licensing Policy was published on the 7 January 2005. It was reviewed in 2006 in light of the outcome of a high court challenge against the policy of Canterbury City Council. In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 the policy was subject to a major review in 2007. Following widespread consultation the Policy was approved by Wandsworth Council on the 12th December 2007 and came into effect on the 7th January 2008. The Council's Statement of Licensing Policy is available to download below:
 Statement of Licensing Policy (473 kb)
This policy is used by the Licensing Sub-Committee, together with statutory Guidance from the Government, to decide applications for premises licences or club premises certificates where relevant representations (objections) have been received.
Latest licence applications
We have received applications for new licences or variations to existing operating arrangements in respect of premises detailed below in the downloadable document. Also included are previous weeks' applications where the last date for representations to be received has not yet passed.
Latest licence applications (52 kb)
Licence review application
The Holy Drinker (Northcote Road) (201 kb)
The applications can be viewed at the offices of the Licensing Section, Environmental Services and Community Safety Division, 5th Floor, New Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street SW18 2PU. For further information telephone 020 8871 6160 or email licensing@wandsworth.gov.uk. |
