Online licensing is 'waste of time'
The online licensing application system promised to cut red tape is still unworkable — one firm has slammed it as a "waste of time".
In March the Morning Advertiser reported that out of 30 local authorities, only Croydon had come up with a workable system to apply for licences online.
At Licensing Legal Solicitors, Carrol Ashton routinely submits applications on behalf of clients, and initially welcomed the news that they could be made online, along with payments.
She said the official system of applying online through Business Link is a "non-starter", but pointed out that individually some local authorities are flexible enough to take payments over the phone and have forms emailed to them.
"I know what I am doing with these applications — an individual trying to do it themselves has no chance whatsoever!"
Aside from it being "difficult to find the forms" on the Business Link website, Ashton said there is a mandatory section that asks for details including VAT numbers. "These are not required under the Licensing Act 2003 — so why are they there?"
But a spokesman for the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) said: "The online licensing system available on Business Link is working and applications are currently being submitted. The system will save time and effort for applicants but if they wish to submit paper forms they can still do so.
"BIS is aware that some applicants are still experiencing difficulties. We are working with local authorities to ensure they link into Business Link and fulfil their legal obligation to provide an online licensing system. If people are unable to apply for licenses online, they should ask their local authority why not and when they will be able to do so.
"VAT numbers help identify a business to an authority and any business that is registered for VAT is obliged to give out this information. This does not prevent businesses or individuals who are not registered for VAT using the online form as they can simply indicate "N/A".
