Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 came into force on 7 February 2005. It introduced new arrangements for the way in which premises that sell alcohol or provide entertainment and late night refreshment are licensed.

Pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, stores and supermarkets, cinemas, theatres, village and community halls and premises (including vehicles) selling hot food or hot drinks between 11.00 pm and 5.00 am, are affected by the new arrangements.

The Council's first Statement of Licensing Policy was approved early in 2005 after wide consultation and the Council, as the new Licensing Authority, has been processing applications from those who had previously held licences to sell alcohol or provide public entertainment. The latest Statement of Licensing Policy was approved in January 2008 and can be found by clicking here.

All the new Personal Licences, Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates came into effect on 24 November 2005.

For more information, please see the Licensing Act Details document in the download area.