People Jonathan Warner-Reed

Licensing Act 2003 - How will your business be affected?

What the Act says:

The Licensing Act 2003 provides for the conversion of all existing licenses to new premises licenses, issued by local authorities as opposed to Magistrates Courts. Whilst it may be true that all current liquor licenses have been renewed recently for three years, this Act removes all authority to sell alcohol under those existing licenses.

In order to authorise the sale of alcohol, provide late night hot food and/or hot drink and permit regulated entertainment such as plays, films, indoor sports events, boxing or wrestling, non-incidental live or recorded music or dance a premises license will be required.

Personal licenses for individuals named on premises licenses as designated premises supervisors will also be introduced. These applications must be made to the local authority of the area in which the individual lives, and will be valid for ten years.

When should you apply?

The first day for implementation of the Act is 7 February 2005 (AD1). From this date there is a six month window for applications to the local authority for the conversion of an existing license to a premises license and for applications for new personal licenses.

The local authority is under no obligation to remind you of these dates for application.

Local authorities then have approximately three months to consider applications. The end of this period (sometime in November 2005) is known as (AD2).

Any existing licenses not converted by AD2 will ‘disappear’ and the relevant premises will not be authorised to sell alcohol, late night hot food and/or drink or provide entertainment.

Overview of the Timescale

Conversion is compulsory if you intend to continue providing these services.

For further information contact

Jonathan Warner-Reed on

0113 2 496 496 or email

jonathanwarner-reed@foxhayes.co.uk