Premises Licence
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.
PREMISES LICENCE
Premises where licensable activities take place must be licensed under the act. Such activities include the sale and supply of alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment. Pubs are therefore required to have a premises licence in order to trade. As part of the application for a new premises licence, an operating schedule must be submitted. This sets out how the premises propose to operate, including opening hours, details of licensable activities, the designated premises supervisor (DPS), and how the licensing objectives are supported by the pub. The premises licence stays in force at the pub and can only be varied by a formal application. In practice, this means that anyone taking on a pub will adopt the operating schedule as per the premises licence. If they want to make changes to the premises licence, they must make an application to the licensing authority and the police. Any changes will be measured against the licensing objectives. Local residents, businesses and other experts will have the right to make representations about the changes. A hearing may result and the decision to adopt, reject or amend the proposals will be made by the licensing authority.
Notice must be given of any changes of ownership or control of the pub to both the licensing authority and chief officer of police. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. In cases where the chief officer of police believes that the transfer may undermine the crime prevention objectives, the police may object to the transfer.
The premises licence must be displayed in a prominent place in the pub.
