LICENSING
Since the introduction of the 2003 Licensing Act, anyone wishing to sell alcohol or provide public entertainment has to adhere to a dual system of licensing - personal and premises licenses.
The new law does not set permitted hours to encourage a more European, café-culture approach to drinking but the new flexibility has come at a price bringing more responsibility to bear on licensees.
You are now required to apply for a Premises and Personal Licence for the provision of public entertainment or the sale of alcohol. For the latter you are required to sit the new National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) examination.
In addition, all licenses are 'policed' by the local authorities and each application is subject to the views of the police, residents and environmental health officers, amongst others. It is therefore important to receive strong, independent advice if you wish to achieve your business objectives.
We provide legal advice and assistance on all licensing matters, frequently incorporating commercial and property transactions and including liquor, betting, gaming, public entertainment and late night licenses.