November 2005

Licensing Update - Grandfather Rights Deadline

The six month transitional period which allowed for existing licence holders to use 'grandfather rights' to convert their existing licences into the new form came to an end on 6 August 2005. Therefore Premises and Personal licences must be made as a new application following the new procedures.

The New Procedure

The Licensing Act 2003 transfers the responsibility for the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol from the Magistrates' Court to local authorities, such as Wycombe District Council. The aims of the reform include:

• Prevention of crime and disorder

• Prevention of public nuisance

• Public safety

• Protection of children from harm

Venues affected by the new licensing regime include:

• Pubs

• Members' Clubs

• Late night entertainment venues

• Off Licences

• Businesses offering hot food between 11pm and 5am

• Restaurants, take away premises serving alcohol

• Cinemas

• Theatres

• Those providing facilities for licensable events

The new Act represents a complete overhaul of the licensing application process and as such new categories of licence have been created. These include:

• Premises Licence: required for buildings and land where licensable activities take place

• Personal Licence: required by anyone who wishes to allow the sale of alcohol as part of their business

• Club Premises Certificate: required for a club premises that will supply alcohol

• Temporary Event Notices: for one-off events at premises which do not hold a licence

For further information, please contact our offices.