The Licensing Act 2003 (“the Act”) received Royal Assent on 10 July 2003, replacing six existing licensing regimes and providing a single integrated scheme for licensing premises used for the supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment. Permission to carry on some or all of these activities will be contained in a single premises licence or club premises certificate.

The Act transfers licensing powers to local authorities, establishing a more democratically accountable system. For the first time, local residents will have a say in licensing decisions and the licensing authority will be accountable to the local electorate for its decisions.

The reforms within the Act provide a balance by promoting freedom of choice whilst providing safeguards, such as the power to target problem premises. Flexible opening times will help reduce public disorder, currently resulting from fixed opening times and help combat anti-social behaviour. Deregulation will give the responsible majority more freedom and choice about how they spend their leisure time.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has announced the date from which existing licensees can apply to Fenland District Council to convert their existing licences into new Premises Licenses, Club Premises Certificates and Personal Licences as 7 February 2005. Licensees will also be able to apply for variations to their existing licences from this date.

The Second Appointed Day, on which the Act will come fully into force, has been announced as November 2005.

Highlights of the Act:

• the introduction of flexible premises opening hours, with the potential for 24 hour opening
• the opportunity for local residents, businesses and responsible authorities to have their say
• conditions to be incorporated into premises licences that are necessary to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm
• a new system of personal licences relating to the supply of alcohol, enabling licence holders to move between those premises where a premises licence is in force
• a system of notification for permitted temporary activities to authorise small-scale events
• preservation of the special status for non-profit making clubs supplying alcohol

Aims of the Act:

• reduce crime and disorder
• reduce alcohol abuse
• encourage tourism
• more streamlined and unified licensing system, sweeping away red tape

Fenland District Council Licensing Policy

Fenland District Council’s approved Statement of Licensing Policy, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, See Related Links to view the Policy.

---

To discuss licensing issues, please contact the Licensing Section on 01354 654321, licensing@fenland.gov.uk, or write to:

Fenland District Council
Licensing Section
Fenland Hall
County Road
March
Cambs PE 15 8NQ

Guidance information:

Guidance documents and fact sheets are currently being produced by a number of the Responsible Authorities and Fenland Council to assist licensees in making applications. These will be added to this website when available.