The Licensing Act 2003 covers a diverse range of 'licensable activities', not just the sale or supply of alcohol.  These activities include the performance of a play, an exhibition of film, an indoor sporting event, boxing or wrestling entertainment, performance of live music, any playing of recorded music, a performance of dance and any entertainment of a similar kind.  This means that those involved in providing entertainment and refreshment to the public, as well as clubs and societies, churches and charities, community groups and river boats may well be caught by this Act.  It also includes the provision of late night refreshment.

A new applicant will need to complete a standard form and detail all of the licensable activities that are intended to be carried out and when. In respect to these activities the applicant will need to detail what they will do to promote the licensing objectives in the form of an operating schedule.  Whatever the applicant volunteers by way of the operating schedule will become a condition of the licence.

The application has to be accompanied by a plan, a consent form signed by the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (if applicable) and the relevant fee.  Copies of the application will need to be sent to each of the Responsible Authorities.  It will also be necessary to advertise in a local newspaper within 10 working days of the date of application and also on a notice outside the premises for 28 days.  The 28 days starts on the day the application is received by the Licensing Authority (AVDC).  This gives people affected by the changes chance to make representations to the Licensing Manager.

If no representations are lodged, generally the licensing authority has no discretion but to issue the licence.  If a representation is received then the determination of the licence will be put before a licensing sub-committee if a consensus cannot be found.

Date Updated: 27/03/08