Fears for minor variation licence reform

Licensing experts fear the move to simplify the process of making minor changes to pub licences won't benefit all pubs as soon as intended.

The minor variation legislation, which is set to come into force on 29 July, will let council licensing officers rule on applications for small-scale changes to licences - without the need for a full hearing.

But the Institute of Licensing (IoL), which represents a variety of professionals working in licensing, says a number of councils wouldn't necessarily have delegated this power to a licensing officer.

Jim Hunter, South West region chairman of the IoL, said it means some councils would have to re-draft their licensing policies, with would require a consultation of up to 12 weeks.

In many cases, the policy would need to be approved by a meeting of the full council. These can take place every three or six years.

"It would be quite a long process and arduous for the local authority," Hunter said.

"It's not as straight forward as it should be, but we've seen that time and time again."

The guidance says minor variations generally fall into four categories:

1. Minor changes to the structure or layout of a premises

2. Small adjustments to licensing hours

3. The removal of out of date, irrelevant or unenforceable conditions or addition of volunteered conditions

4. The addition of certain licensable activities, so long as it doesn't impact on any of the licensing objectives

Under the procedure, a white notice must be put up on the premises to alert the public.

Licensing officers can take written objections into account, although hearings won't take place.