Introduction
You can find out about licence applications that are under consultation and how to comment on them here.
Applications under consultation
You can use this directory to view the applications which are currently under consultation:
Recent applications - Licensing Act 2003
Anyone can comment on a licensing application. There is no definition of “other person”, however the representations must be relevant to the application and relate to one or more of these four licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
Recent applications for new, or variations to, Premises Licences or Club Premises Certificates are shown below
Commenting on licence applications
A person can make a ‘representation’ against applications made under the Gambling Act 2005 if they live or run a business close to the premises and are likely to be affected by the gambling activities.
Anyone can make a ‘representation’ against applications made under the Licensing Act 2003 if they are likely to be affected by it the licensable activities, which may be a combination of the supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment.
Representations cannot be frivolous or vexatious. This might generally be where the representation has no justification and is intended to aggravate the applicant. They may be in support of the application or an objection to it but must comment on the likely effect of the granting of an application on one or more licensing objectives relevant to that application.
For gambling licence applications, the objectives are:
- Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
- Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling
For Licensing Act 2003 applications, the objectives are:
- Prevention of crime and disorder
- Prevention of public nuisance
- Protection of children from harm
- Public safety
For pavement licences, the main considerations are:
- Preventing obstructions to pedestrians and vehicles
- Ensuring normal access to premises
- Ensuring apparatus can be accessed and worked on
Matters that cannot be taken into consideration when deciding licence applications includes:
- Whether or not the premises has planning permission
- The likely commercial impact on other businesses in the area
- Whether or not there is a need or demand for a particular business in a local area
A representation should include evidence where possible and explain what the likely effects of the granting of an application will be.
When relevant representations are received, the Council, acting in its capacity as the ‘Licensing Authority’, must hold a hearing to make its decision and will have a range of options, including to grant the application in full or parts of it, or to refuse it completely. On that basis, it is helpful if those making representations can be specific and suggest changes to the application which may help to alleviate any of their concerns. It may be that the applicant is happy to compromise, in which case a hearing may not be needed.
At a hearing, a person that has made a representation is invited to speak and ask questions of the applicant.
Representations are a matter of public record and the Council must provide copies to the applicant, including details of the person that submitted it. If there is a hearing, the Council will also publish a report which will include the application and representations. Only in exceptional circumstances.
Representations must be made in writing.