Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

The checklist to help you stay legitimate post-lockdown

By Poppleston Allen

- Last updated on GMT

Be safe, not sorry: pavement licenses are still in effect so review yours now
Be safe, not sorry: pavement licenses are still in effect so review yours now

Related tags Licensing Public house

At the time of writing (1 June), we are still awaiting both relaxation of the lockdown regulations and guidance for the hospitality sector from the Government on reopening and, until then, we are all still flailing around in the darkness.

However, there are some emerging trends and the below is a summary of some points to consider. Poppleston Allen has produced a full pre-opening checklist for The Morning Advertiser​ readers, which can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/3eDJvV3​ 

  • Are your licensing ‘basics’ ready for reopening? For example, is your designated premises supervisor (DPS) name correct and do you have appropriate notices on display? 
  • Are your licence conditions appropriate now and in light of any Covid-19 regulations? Think particularly of exploiting any outside space, external dispense bars, off-sales, last entry, door staff and relaxation of delivery and collections to reduce interaction between customers/staff and visitors 
  • Do you need to keep site doors and windows open (except fire doors) to assist with ventilation?
  • Check any planning restrictions that might relate to the use of areas, trading hours or operational conditions
  • Have any pavement licence, A-boards, marriage licences or special treatment licences been renewed and ensured any fees are paid if necessary?
  • Is any outside area part of a controlled drinking area or similar order imposed by the council? Check you are up to date with your licensing authority
  • Speak to the licensing authority about any street trading licence needed for an outside food offer that is not on your land
  • Have any building works been carried out during lockdown? Licensing consent may be required
  • Consider whether any works prior to opening and to comply with social distancing, such as the installation of barriers and screens, requires consent
  • Check your fire risk assessment is up to date and review capacity levels in light of any Covid-19 regulations
  • Consider all your risk assessments and operating policies in light of any Covid-19 regulations, for example, admission and dispersal, searching, toilet checks, vulnerable persons, cleaning protocols, etc.
  • Update your website with any new guidance to avoid queuing or overcrowding or confusion about the use of certain areas
  • Review and refresh staff training on operational changes
  • Check for any local and national advice and support
  • Undertake a pre-opening licence health check and risk-assessment, including social distancing guidelines, hygiene information and other aspects in line with any Covid-19 guidance
  • Speak with your local police and licensing authority offices for any local legislative updates or initiatives.

For any legal enquiries please visit Poppleston Allen's website​​.

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