Licensing Act 2003 toolkit

Introduction

The objective of the Toolkit is to provide the public with an interest in the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003 with a dedicated resource of information and guidance.

The resource may be of interest to anyone but especially owners of commercial premises covered by the licensing requirements of the Act.

The Licensing Act 2003 marks the end of six independent licensing regimes and amalgamates them into one single system promoting four statutory objectives:

The Act lists four licensable activities, which are to be regulated by the provisions of the Act.  These in brief are:

Apart from consolidating liquor, entertainment and late night refreshment law, significantly the Act also transfers responsibility for the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol from the magistrates to councils.

Licensable activities may only be carried on under and in accordance with a premises licence, temporary event notice or club premises certificate.  If you intend to carry on a licensable activity please make application using the toolkit below.

North Devon Council's Licensing Act 2003 policy (pdf 203kb) has been updated with effect January 2011.

Latest news

Topical information regarding the latest developments relating to the Licensing Act 2003, currently with reference to The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and  The Live Music Act 2012 can be found here.

Licensing consultation panel meeting

The date for the next licensing consultation panel meeting is to be confirmed.

Agendas and minutes (from last meetings) - Licensing Consultation Panel

What the Toolkit covers

The Toolkit will be regularly updated and includes the following:

Further information

Important - planning consent

It is important that licence holders wishing to vary their licences ensure that they have the necessary planning consent before making an application. Planning can be contacted on 01271 388288.

Sunday trading hours

Gov.uk has further information on Sunday trading.

PRS for Music

You may need a music licence with the Performing Right Society Ltd (PRS for Music)

If your customers, visitors or employees are listening to copyright music on your premises, you should ensure that you hold the necessary permission under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

PRS for Music was set up by songwriters, composers and music publishers to manage their rights on their behalf. A PRS Music Licence grants you the legal permission to play millions of songs. To find out more about licensing requirements and copyright law please visit Gov.UK.

For more information or to buy a Music Licence from PRS for Music please contact:

Copyright House
22-23 Berners Street
London
W1T 3AB

PRS for Music

Telephone: 0800 068 4828

PPL

Please note that if you use recorded music in public (including a workplace), you will also legally require a licence from PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd).

PPL is a not -for-profit organisation that manages the rights of performers and record companies.

Street parties and fetes

If you are planning to hold a street party, fete or similar in your local community, in addition to considering any licensing implications, you may also need to apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (in order to temporarily close any affected main roads). More information about how to apply for a road closure is available from Devon County Council.

You may also need to consider insurance and whether or not a risk assessment should be undertaken, depending on the nature of your proposed event. More information and advice is available from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Additional advice is available from the following websites: