Licensing Law
Mark S. Elliott has spent 25 years working in various management roles within the tenanted and leased divisions of the UK's largest breweries and pub companies. His extensive knowledge and day-to-day involvement with pubs and publicans make him well qualified to know what is required to run a successful pub. He shares his knowledge and many 'insider tips' with you in this book. Mark is based in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
OVERVIEW
Any business that serves alcohol to customers must be licensed to do so. England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each have their own licensing laws governing this. In England and Wales, there has been radical reform of licensing through the Licensing Act 2003. The new act came into full effect in November 2005.
There has been a recent review of the Scottish licensing system, currently regulated under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. The Nicholson Committee suggests a wide number of changes. These bring Scottish licensing law broadly into line with the situation in England and Wales.
Northern Ireland’s licensing regulations are covered by the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. However, a consultation paper, Liquor Licensing – The Way Forward, was launched on 1 November 2005, setting out the Government’s proposals for the reform of liquor licensing in Northern Ireland, and the consultation period will last until 31 January 2006. At the time of writing there is is no firm timetable for any changes to be implemented.
