Licensing Act 2003 - Review of a premises licence

What happens at the end of the consultation period

We will consider the review application and any relevant representations that have been made at a licensing panel hearing. Where we consider that action under our statutory powers are necessary, we may take any of the following steps:

  • Modify the conditions of the premises licence (that may include adding new conditions or altering or removing an existing one)
  • Exclusion of a licensable activity from the scope of the licence (for example, to exclude the performance of live music or playing of recorded music)
  • Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (if the panel considers their poor management has caused the problems)
  • Suspend the licence for a period of not more than three months
  • Revoke the licence

Any action taken will be directed at addressing the concerns to which the representations relate and the promotion of the licensing objectives. Modifications of the conditions of the licensable activities may be imposed either permanently or for a temporary period of up to three months.

Hearings

Hearings will generally be held in public, unless we decide it is in the public interest to hold all, or part of the hearing in private. We will ensure that a record is taken of the hearing.

Hearings will take the form of a discussion and will consist of three councillors (this will be a licensing sub-committee drawn from the 11 councillors who make up our licensing committee). We will explain the procedure and determine any request for additional persons to appear at the hearing. The sub-committee will consider evidence produced in support before the hearing, and can consider evidence produced by a party at the hearing, but only if all parties agree. Further evidence can also be produced if this was sought for clarification of an issue by us before the hearing.

Cross-examination of another party during a hearing is not allowed, unless we think it necessary.

The parties are entitled to address the sub-committee and will be allowed equal time to address the sub-committee. If they have been given permission by the sub-committee to do so, they will be given equal time to ask any questions of any other party. The sub-committee will disregard any information it considers to be irrelevant.

It is important you consider what you are going to say at the hearing, as the licence or certificate holder and the committee will have seen your application for review, and may get the chance to question what you are saying.

Will I be notified of the review hearing?

The applicant, the premises licence holder and anyone who has made a relevant representation will be sent a letter advising them of the date of the review hearing and inviting them to attend.

Last updated: ‎16‎/‎10‎/‎2023‎ ‎16‎:‎22‎