How to object to a premises licence
People and businesses near licensed premises may
make representations to the council about the grant of or a change
in a licence. A Licensing Sub-Committee made up of councillors will
consider these, as long as the representations are not irrelevant
or vexatious.
The government has rules that set out how Licensing
Committees are to be run. These include how often they are
held and what sort of evidence you can present to it. You will not
be able to claim your costs of attending any council committee.
When an application for a licence or change to a licence is
made, copies are sent to:
- The Police
- Environmental health
- Planning departments
- Social Services
- Trading Standards
- The Fire Authority
- The Health and Safety Executive (in some cases).
Each of these authorities can give comments about
the application that may lead to either conditions being
imposed or it being refused.
If you wish to appeal against a Council's licensing
decision, you have the right to do so through the
Magistrates' Court. Rules have been laid down about how this
can be done.