The Act established a new system for licensing and controlling the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of refreshment late at night. Responsibility for this licensing regime is under the control of local authorities.
Licensing authorities operate according to four licensing objectives, to make sure that licensable activities are carried out in the public interest:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
Licensing Policy Statement 2011 – 2014
The Act sets out procedures for regulating the way that the local authority carries out its licensing functions. The Council’s Licensing Policy Statement (.pdf, 1,250KB) first implemented in January 2005 has been reviewed in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.
As part of the review process many organisations and individuals with an interest in the licensing of premises were consulted. The experience gained since the Act came into force and the views of the people consulted were taken into account before the revised policy was completed.
Any queries regarding the revised policy should be addressed to the Licensing Manager.
Regulated Entertainment: A Consultation proposal to examine the deregulation of Schedule One of the Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 brought together nine separate outdated licensing related regimes, and created instead a single Act that controlled alcohol supply and sale, late night refreshment, and "regulated entertainment". In tidying up the old licensing regimes new problems were created for many wishing to host entertainment events.
The Government is therefore proposing a reform of activities currently classed as "regulated entertainment" in Schedule One of the 2003 Act. The consultation seeks views on the removal in certain circumstances of the requirement for a licence in England and Wales to host a performance of a play, an exhibition of a film, an indoor sporting event, a performance of live music, any playing of recorded music, or a performance of dance.
