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Alcohol and Entertainment
The Licensing Act 2003 came into force on 24 November 2005.
Licensing Authorities are responsible for licensing the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment in England and Wales. If you are carrying on any of these activities, you will need the relevant authorisation and should speak to your local licensing authority. This is normally the local authority licensing department.
Licensing authorities must carry out their functions with a view to promoting four licensing objectives. These are:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
Licensing authorities must decide applications in connection with premises licences and club premises certificates on the basis of the steps it considers necessary to promote these objectives.
Fire Service Role
Applicants are strongly advised to contact their local Fire-Safety District Licensing Officer to seek our views before formally submitting their application. Many of the fire precautions which will be necessary are required by law, and by consulting at an early stage the applicant can avoid costly additional works later in the process.
In addition, where the application does not indicate satisfactory fire precautions the Fire Authority can make a formal representation to the licensing authority. This can result in the application being rejected or conditions being included as part of any license which is granted.
A failure to provide satisfactory fire precautions to ensure the safety of employees and other relevant persons may be a breach of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and may lead to prosecution.
Where building work is necessary either to build or alter licensed premises the work should be carried out in accordance with Building Regulations requirements. For further information regarding Building Regulations requirements visit the Planning Portal.
Further Advice
For further advice regarding fire precautions standards please see the leaflet below for guides available from www.communities.gov.uk
Advice Leaflet - Government Links
For further advice regarding the application process please contact your local authority licensing department;
Leeds 0113 247095
Bradford 01274 432240
Calderdale 01422 393093
Kirklees 01484 223470
Wakefield 01924 302922
Contact Details
Tel: 01274 655834
Policy / Procedure Documents