Brentwood Borough Council Licensing - Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshmen...

Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment (Licensing Act 2003)

The New Licensing Regime

The Licensing Act 2003 has established a single integrated scheme for licensing premises used for the supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment or provision of late night refreshment.

This new system of licensing incorporates public entertainment, theatres, cinemas, the sale of alcohol and late night refreshment houses and take-aways.

There is now one licence for the premises and another ‘personal’ licence for individuals who sell or supply alcohol or who authorise the sale or supply of alcohol. These licences are issued by the Council.

The purpose of the new licensing system is the promotion of four ‘licensing objectives’:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance
• the protection of children from harm.

Local authorities are required to draw up a Licensing Policy following consultation with the Police and Fire Authority and bodies representing local residents, businesses and licensed trade. The Policy will be subject to review every three years.

The new licensing regime took effect on 24th November 2005. On this date all licences issued under the old regime ceased to have effect (regardless of any later expiry date shown on them). 

Any premises without a new licence under the Licensing Act 2003 cannot lawfully sell alcohol, provide late night refreshment or regulated entertainment.

Further information can be obtained from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport website.

Making Applications

The application forms for premises and personal licences are included in the Regulations published by the Government.  You can access the Regulations via the DCMS website.

The fees for the new licensing regime have been set by the Government and are the same across the whole country.  The fee for a ten-year Personal Licence is £37 and fees for the Premises Licence are based on the rateable value of the premises.

Use the appropriate link below to access application packs to download electronically.  

• Premises Licences
• Club Premises
• Personal Licences

Alternatively, application packs can be requested by sending an email to licensing@brentwood.gov.ukor by telephoning the Licensing Section on 01277 312642.

Temporary Event Notices

The Licensing Act 2003 also introduced a system of Temporary Event Notices for small, occasional events.  Further information can be obtained from this link:

• Temporary Event Notices

Amusements with Prizes

Further information about permits for Amusements with Prizes machines can be obtained from this link:

• Amusements with Prizes