All about a Premise Licence

Any agency that is engaged in regulated entertainment activities is supposed to possess a license for these activities. Regulated entertainment activities involve any kind of performances such as plays, movies, sports events, live music, dance, boxing or wrestling which are performed in the presence of audience to entertain them. Other licensable activities include selling and supplying liquor and other late night refreshments sold from 11pm to 5am.

The Licensing Act 2003 came into effect on 24 November 2005 with a new set of rules for licenses affecting all sites that were dealing in activities like sale of alcohol, late night refreshment and the provision of entertainment, music and dancing. These activities could be carried on under, and in accordance with, a permit called the premise licence. A premises license empowers the premises in question to carry out these activities. Almost any establishments that are involved in one or more licensable activity will need this license including takeaways and late night cafes.

The motive behind encircling these activities under licensed occupations is to prevent the unlawful actions that can occur during these activities. It is a well known fact that a person’s behavior changes drastically under the influence of alcohol. Also during late night parties and events, there are chances that such activities can occur that can also disturb those who are not taking part in the event. In some situations, these occurrences can become out of control and can cause harm to people especially children. So it becomes the responsibility of the government and local authorities to keep a check on such happenings.

Any individual, business or partnership can apply to obtain this license provided the person under whose name the license is required to be issued is aged 18 or over. Once a person obtains it, he will become an authorized dealer of liquor and late night food and beverages. There is no time limit on the validity of this license. So once you acquire this license, you can carry on your business with full authority to do so. There can be only three situations under which you will be deprived of the authority that the license renders after you obtain it which are:

• Either the license has been canceled by a government official due to improper use
• Or suspended due to the same reason
• Or you are told to surrender it

For obtaining the premise licence, you will need to supply certain information with the application form and fee. This information should specify the activities to be carried out using the license, the time of the day and number of hours for which these activities are to be carried out, the name and full address of the license holder, the address of the premises where the supply is going to take place, whether it is to be consumed at the place of supply or off premises or both and whether the license is required permanently or for a limited period of time. For becoming a licensed dealer, you can contact the local licensing authorities of the place where you reside and wish to have a license for.