NEWS RELEASES
Licensing information for hairdressing salons
14 May 2008
HAIRDRESSING salons offering complimentary alcohol to customers are being made aware that they must have an appropriate Premises Licence to do so.
A number of establishments operating within the Horsham District appear to be offering ‘complimentary alcohol’ as part of the services given to their customers and Horsham District Council is keen to work with all of these outlets to make sure they are complying with the law.
The Licensing Act 2003 is very specific in defining what constitutes a retail sale of alcohol. ‘Sale by Retail’ includes all transactions except those which are purely business to business. For example, the sale of alcohol to a club or to a trader for trade purposes is excluded from the scope of the Act.
A complimentary glass of wine or other alcoholic drink which is conditional upon the purchase of a hair or beauty treatment cannot be regarded as free, as the provision of the alcohol is dependent on the recipient paying for the hair or beauty treatment.
This amounts to a retail sale of alcohol and as such the premises must have the relevant Premises Licence for the Retail Sale of Alcohol issued by their local authority under the provisions of the 2003 Act.
Speaking this week, Cllr Brian Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health at Horsham District Council, said:
"We don't want to be killjoys but we are asking that all hairdressing salons comply with the new national licensing laws.
"We are very happy to offer advice and work together to make ensure this happens as smoothly as possible."
The Council's Licensing Officer will be conducting a number of visits in the coming weeks and months to ensure that the provisions of the 2003 Act is complied with.
To carry on a licensable activity without the benefit of an appropriate Premises Licence is a criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to £20,000 or six months imprisonment or both.
For more information please contact Horsham District Council on 01403 215578 or email publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk