Licensing Act 2003 - Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates
What does a premises license authorise?
Any premises that is used to provides one of the following licensable activities requires a licence.
Sale and/or supply of alcohol
Regulated Entertainment
Late Night Refreshment
These activities can also be authorised by a club premises certificate and a temporary event notice.
Who can apply for a premises licence?
Any person intending to use the premises for licensable activities can apply for a premises licence including;
An individual aged 18 or over
A recognised club
A limited company
A partnership
Another prescribed body such as a Charity or educational institution.
Who decides whether to grant a licence?
The Licensing Act 2003 is "permissive". This means that you can apply for whatever activities and times you wish and this will be granted - UNLESS valid objections are made about your application.
Objections may be made by anyone of the statutory responsible authorities or a member of the public. where objections are made, an application is determined at a public hearing.
Who are the Responsible Authorities?
The statutory responsible authorities are set out in the Licensing Act 2003 and each covers a distinct specialist area designed to protect the public. It is recommended that applicants consult the responsible authorities before submitting their application to minimise objections. These are listed below.
Community Protection
Hertfordshire County Council 2nd Floor Farnham House, Six Hills Way, SG1 2FQ Postal Point: CH0330 T: 01992588427 E: Email: tradingstandards@hertfordshire.gov.uk
HSCB Business Manager
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children's Board
Safeguarding Boards Business Unit
CH0116, Farnham House, Six Hills Way Stevenage, SG1 2FQ
You will need to submit an application to the Council which includes
Completed operating schedule
A Plan of the premises
The consent of a personal licence to being named as the DPS
The relevant Fee.
Once submitted you must advertise your application in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Fees
The fee depends on the non-domestic rateable value (NDRV) of the property. The NDRV can be found by contacting the Valuation Office Authority or by searching
Applications for premises licence or Club Premises Certificate or to vary an existing licence or certificate must be advertised by:
Displaying a pale blue notice prominently on the boundary of the premises to which it relates.
Publishing a notice in the relevant local newspaper.
The wording to be used is prescribed by regulations and template documents are given below.
The notice must be a minimum size of A4, and either typed in black or written legibly in black ink, with each character at least font size 16. The notice should be displayed for at least 28 consecutive days starting the day after the application is given to us.
You must publish the same (or similar) notice in a local newspaper that circulates in the area where the premises are at least once during the 10 working days following the day the application is given to the Licensing Authority.
Template Notices
Blue A4 Public Notice (New premises licence application)
Blue A4 Public Notice (Application to vary the premises licence)
White A4 Public Notice (Application for a minor variation)
A 28-day period must be allowed for any representation(s) to be made. If none are received your application is automatically granted.
If representations are received the application will be determined by a Licensing sub-committee at a public hearing. You will be advised of this at the time. If your application is refused you can appeal to Watford Magistrates Court within 21 days of the notice of decision.
Miscellaneous applications
Other applications can be submitted in respect to premises that already hold a licence.
To vary a Premises licence to specify an individual as a Designated Premises Supervisor. New Vary a DPS 2017 form.
