Information for Licensees of Alcohol Licensed Premises
Further Reform of The Licensing Act 2003

In 2011 the Government implemented reforms to the Licensing Act 2003 with the aim of 're-balancing' the Act in favour of Responsible Authorities (such as Environmental Health Officers and the Police). They also wanted to enable local residents to have more of a say about licensed premises in their area.

Some changes will come about as a result of The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. It is expected that the changes will partly come into force April 2012, with the remainder coming into force October 2012.

Licensees should have already seen changes to the Act in 2010 with the introduction of additional |'mandatory conditions'. These include a duty to provide free tap water and making drinks available to customers in smaller measures. The changes will also widen the scope of who can apply for a review of a Premises Licence or make representations against an application, change Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to introduce late TENs, increase the penalties for persistently selling alcohol to children, require Premises Licences to be suspended if the annual fee is not paid and will introduce the potential for Early Morning Restriction Orders and a Late Night Levy.

The Act, and in particular sections 103 to 140, can be viewed on the |Government Legislation website.