Licensing consultation launched

The Government has today launched its consultation over the revised guidance on licensing.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport, which consulted local authorities and representatives from the licensed trade, hopes the updated guidance will help councils deal with the new legislation.

Key points include:​* greater emphasis that there should be no presumption in favour of longer opening hours and that the four main objectives of the act should be paramount in considering any licensing application* a recommendation that personal licence holders - those responsible for alcohol sales on a licensed premises - should provide written, rather than verbal, authorisations for the sale of alcohol in their absence* an expanded section on incidental music, to help local authorities determine whether music falls into this category and is therefore not licensable* a clarification of the role of councillors in the licensing process, for example to explain when those with a 'prejudicial' interest in an application should withdraw from the decision making process.

The revised guidance aims to help local authorities ensure the act is being effectively delivered where it matters - out there in our towns and cities​Licensing Minister Shaun Woodward

Licensing Minister Shaun Woodward said: "The Licensing Act gives tough powers to deal with the irresponsible minority and more freedom to the responsible majority. While it's still early days, there are encouraging signs that this is what's being delivered on the ground. ​

"But there is nearly always a need for some clarification as new legislation beds in.

"That's what this revised guidance is about. It aims to help local authorities ensure the act is being effectively delivered where it matters - out there in our towns and cities.

"And as the new laws put local councils in the driving seat, we want to hear from them if they think we can improve the guidance further."

The revised draft guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 is available here

You can also have your say by emailing licensingconsultation@culture.gov.uk​