NEWS RELEASES
Preparing for the big licence change
2nd November 2004
FOR many months, Horsham District Council has been preparing for the big change to alcohol and entertainment licensing procedures which take place next year.
The changes are going to affect many people working in the drinks trade as well as the owners of the premises where alcohol is sold, of which there are about 350 in the Horsham District.
There are a number of key implications contained in the new Licensing Act 2003: future licences will be granted by district councils and not the local magistrates and the owners of premises and managers will need separate licences.
In addition to this, at least one Personal Licence holder will be required on the premises during opening times; and 24 hour opening will be permitted for the first time.
The very latest news is that the new Act will become effective from November, 2005.
This may seem a long time ahead, however all new licences for entertainment as well as liquor licensing will have to be in place by then and applications to the Council can start very soon, from February 7, 2005.
With this in mind, the Council is recommending that all people involved to get in touch as soon as possible after that date so that the paperwork can be dealt with smoothly.
Two types of licences are involved: the Premises Licence and the Personal Licence.
The final scale of fees is to be set by the Government following a two month consultation and it is understood that these will be based on a banding system using non domestic rateable values.
To obtain a Premises Licence there will be a one off payment, probably between £100 and £500, and an annual renewal charge of between £100 and £150.
Where no change is being made to a Premises Licence, the paperwork is likely to go through quickly, however it is expected there to be changes made in about 50% of cases and these will need to go through the full procedures of consultation, consideration of objections and, in some cases, hearings by the Licensing Committee.
The Personal Licence, which is for managers and senior staff, is likely to cost £30 and will cover a ten year period.
Existing holders should have a smooth transition, however new applicants will have to satisfy some tough conditions.
They will have to show that they are over eighteen, that they have a qualification related to the brewery trade, and that there have been no forfeits in the past five years. If a criminal record is involved the police can object to an application and those cases would be referred to the Licensing Committee for decision.
The Council has already circulated a lot of information to relevant people and its draft licensing policy is currently out for consultation. Any comments received prior to the closing date of November 19 will be very welcome.
In addition to this, the Council has held two trade briefings recently and there are another two to come on November 10 (5.30pm) and November 11 (2.30pm) in the Council Chamber in Horsham’s North Street, open to all affected by the new legislation.
More information is available from Horsham District Council’s Public Health and Licensing Department on (01403) 215439, email: publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
(01403) 215549