Bottoms up! Dealing with premises licences

Nov. 13, 2009 - PRLog -- The legislation is detailed and it’s easy to fall foul of the law, plus the application process can be quite complex. This is why Mark Hawkins, Director of a partner company in Tallents Solicitors in Mansfield, has summarised the key points for any would-be premises licence applicants.

Mark says,

“Initially, you need to know if the activities you want to carry out require a licence. There are three different types of licensing permission and you need to be sure you are applying for the right one. The most obvious activities which require a licence are:
•   The retail sale of alcohol
•   The supply of alcohol to members of a club
•   Regulated entertainment (e.g. music, dancing, plays, karaoke, spectator sports, recorded visuals e.g. DVDs for Race Nights)
•   Late night refreshment (hot food and/or hot drink between 11pm and 5am)”

Mark continues,

“There are several stages you need to go through before making your application for a premises licence.

“Firstly a risk assessment must be undertaken to establish whether the intended use of the premises fits with the licensing objectives. If any risks are identified then action plans must be drawn up to minimise them.

Secondly, if you intend to sell alcohol by retail, then you will need a designated premises supervisor, who must hold a current Personal Licence. This may require a separate application, which Tallents can help you with.

Thirdly, you will need a detailed plan of the premises showing exactly where the licensed activity will be taking place. The plan also must show all the fire exits and safety equipment on the site. Now you’re ready to complete your application form and submit it.”

Says Mark,

“Often applicants will send their documentation and paperwork to the licensing authority, but forget to send copies to the other relevant responsible authorities, such as the police, fire officer, and trading standards officer. It’s vital that they receive their copies at the same time, so we recommend using Special Delivery.

“And don’t forget to advertise your application, following the specific guidelines given, for at least 28 days. Provided there are no objections and your paperwork was all filed correctly the license will normally be granted.”
Mark finishes,

“The process is detailed and complex often it’s better for it to be overseen by a qualified solicitor. At Tallents we ensure that applications are handled efficiently for our clients so that the correct licence is granted as quickly as possible.”

…/ends

For more information, contact Tallents
28A Westgate, Mansfield, 01623 666700

www.tallents.co.uk


ABOUT TALLENTS

Established in 1774 and with offices in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell, Tallents Solicitors services the legal needs of private individuals, company and commercial clients and farmers in North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

We still offer a personal service to our clients and our size and structure ensures that partners are never remote from our clients. We provide a full range of legal services and our expertise covers all areas of law including:

Agricultural law, criminal law, commercial and domestic property transactions, inheritance tax planning, trust and estate administration, wills and probate, commercial and general litigation, employment law, company and commercial law, intellectual property, matrimonial and family law, personal injury claims and children issues.

In 2009, Tallents celebrates 235 years, having served more than nine generations of North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire people. This makes Tallents one of the oldest law firms in the county and possibly the UK.



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