Licensing applications have become increasingly complex with the advent of the new licensing regime resulting from the extensive Licensing Act 2003. The radical changes, which include licensing authorities replacing magistrates' courts as the grantors of licences, in conjunction with the integration and modernisation of the various licensing systems in England and Wales, have led to an intimidating Act of 9 Parts, 8 Schedules and 175 pages.
Every type of licence application is covered within this text, from the selling of liquor to the showing of films, from the provision of entertainment to a paying audience to the renewal of a club registration certificate. Issues addressed include: what are classed as licensable activities, what kind of activities are exempt from licensing laws, how should an application be made, how are applications determined and how long will a licence last? It also covers the more ambiguous aspects of licensing applications: what happens when the licence holder dies, what to do if the licence is lost, how does one approach transferring a licence and does the licensing authority have any right to impose conditions on a licence?
Chapters on offences and hearings contain vital information with regards to breaches, or suspected breaches, of licensing law. The guidance concerning offences comprises such topics as police powers of entry to, and closure of, licensed premises, what constitutes a licensing offence and what conditions can be attached to a premises licence by a licensing authority.
The chapter on hearings is concerned with what happens when relevant representations are made against an application or a review of a licence has to be made. It deals in some detail with the action to be taken on receipt of a notice for a hearing, the format of committee reports and procedures at hearings. David Chambers and Roger Butterfield have used their vast experience in licensing training and consulting to produce this practical guide.
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