Licensing Law
Premises licences, personal licences, temporary events, and alcohol regulation.
Introduction
Licensing law governs the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England & Wales. The Licensing Act 2003 is the principal statute, establishing a system of premises licences, personal licences, club premises certificates, and temporary event notices (TENs). Local authorities are the licensing authorities, with the licensing objectives guiding all decisions. The Gambling Act 2005 separately governs gambling premises and activities.
Core Principles
Licensing Objectives — All licensing decisions must promote four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
Premises Licence — Required for premises used for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, or late-night refreshment. Applications are made to the local licensing authority.
Personal Licence — Required by individuals who authorise the sale of alcohol. Obtained from the local authority after completing a licensing qualification. Lasts indefinitely.
Temporary Event Notices — Allow licensable activities at unlicensed premises for up to 168 hours (7 days), up to 499 persons, up to 15 TENs per year per premises.
Representations and Reviews — Responsible authorities and 'other persons' can make representations against licence applications or request reviews of existing licences.
Gambling — The Gambling Act 2005 regulates commercial gambling through a licensing system administered by the Gambling Commission and local authorities.
Key Statutes
Licensing Act 2003
Gambling Act 2005
Leading Cases
R (Daniel Thwaites plc) v Wirral Magistrates' Court
[2008] EWHC 838
Common Scenarios
Applying for a premises licence for a new pub
Submit an application to the local licensing authority with an operating schedule, DPS details, and a plan. Advertise the application for 28 days. If no representations are received, the licence is granted as applied for. If representations are made, a hearing is held.
Neighbour complains about noise from a bar
The complainant can make representations to the licensing authority requesting a review of the premises licence. The review hearing may result in conditions being added, modification of hours, or revocation of the licence.