Licensing Act 2003

Operating a licensed business

Some businesses require a licence to carry out certain activities. This is different to planning permission which authorises the general use of a premises, but does not seek to protect the public from harm that may arise from a specific activity.

Any person intending to carry out a business activity with a view to profit has a duty to ensure that the have the appropriate licence in place before they begin to trade.

Trading without the correct licence is a criminal offence.

Activities requiring a licence

The following activities require a licence under the Licensing Act 2003:

• Sale and supply of alcohol;
• Late Night Refreshment (provision of hot food and/or drink between 11pm and 5am);
• Regulated Entertainment

The Licensing Objectives

Businesses providing these activities must promote the four licensing objectives:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance
• the protection of children from harm.

Our Licensing Policy

The Council is required by Section 5 of the Act to review and publish its policy every five years.

If you have any question regarding the Statement of Licensing Policy please contact our Licensing team via email at licensing.services@hertsmere.gov.uk.

Applying for a licence

Premises licences

All premises on which any of the above Licensable activities take place requires an authorisation under the Act. This may be a:

• Premises Licence
• Club Premises Certificate
• Temporary Event Notice

Further information on applying for a premises licence.

Personal Licences (to authorise the sale of alcohol)

Each sale of alcohol must be made or authorised by an individual holding a personal licence. There must always be a personal licence holder named on the premises licence called the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) in order to supply alcohol.

Further information on applying for a personal licence.

Objections to applications and complaints about premises

Applications for a premises licence and club premises certificate are consulted on for 28 days before they are determined. Once granted however, the licence can be reviewed by the Council if an application is submitted to it, requesting such a review.