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The Licensing Act 2003 establishes a single integrated system for the licensing of premises and individuals involved in 'licensable activities'.
The 'licensable activities' include:-
- The sale and supply of alcohol,
- The provision of regulated entertainment(s); and
- The provision of late night refreshment.
If you undertake or provide any 'licensable activity' you may need one or more of the following authorisations under the Act.
- A premises licence - This is required for any premises where 'licensable activities' take place.
- A club premises certificate - These certificates authorise 'qualifying clubs' to use club premises for 'qualifying club activities'.
- A temporary event notice - This may be used on a limited basis for temporary events involving licensable activities at premises that do not have a premises licence.
- A personal licence - This is required where an individual wants to supply, or allow the supply of alcohol at premises that already holds a premises licence.
We process applications for licences and authorisations for all premises in the Spelthorne area. The main towns are Staines, Ashford, Stanwell, Laleham, Sunbury and Shepperton.
Licensing authorities are also responsible for enforcing the terms and conditions of the licences that they issue and may investigate any of the 'offences' established by the Licensing Act 2003. For example it is an offence to undertake any licensable activity without authorisation or breach the conditions attached to a licence.
Licensing authorities must promote certain licensing objectives and have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State. We must also prepare and publish a local 'statement of licensing policy'.
These documents and licensing objectives are to assist licensing authorities, applicants, residents and businesses in interpreting and implementing the Act.
A key feature of the Act is to allow local communities a say in licensing decisions that may affect them, the Act allows the views of 'members of the public and other interested parties' to be taken into account. Members of the public can object to licence applications or apply to have a licence reviewed where there have been problems.
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