Licensing hub – legal with Poppleston Allen

Does your business still meet legal criteria since reopening?

By Richard Bradley, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

- Last updated on GMT

Stay on top: there are many boxes to be ticked
Stay on top: there are many boxes to be ticked

Related tags Finance Property Legislation Licensing

Last year, Poppleston Allen published a detailed coronavirus pre-opening checklist and while the process of reopening has, to many, been one of tortuous evolution rather than speedy revolution, many of those considerations remain relevant today.
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So, even though you may have reopened fully, you must be aware of certain things you must do to continue to function within the law. Here are some key points:

  • Is your current designated premises supervisor (DPS) still working and how many personal licence holders do you have on site?
  • Is your premises licence summary and Section 57 Notice (Licensing Act 2003) on display? Full licences and gaming permits should be retained on site
  • Are all annual fees paid up to date (licensing and gambling, including any machine permits and payment of late-night levy where applicable)
  • If you are relying on the Business & Planning Act to provide off-sales, are you displaying a correct notice?
  • Has your business undergone any restructuring, such as a company voluntary arrangement (CVA)? Do all licences remain in force and have they been transferred to a new operating company, where relevant?
  • Is your licence still fit for purpose – extended hours, licensed areas, conditions?
  • Is this a time to review your licence conditions, general operation, the impact of social distancing and any capacity restrictions?
  • Consider your external areas and whether licence variations and street trading permissions are required
  • Have you made any changes to the internal or external layout of your premises and should you be updating your licence plans?
  • Staff training – induction for new staff members or refresher training for existing staff. Consider your revised operation under the ongoing social distancing measures and your Covid-19 risk assessment
  • Should you liaise with neighbours, particularly if you plan to use outdoor areas? Ambient noise levels are likely to increase and neighbours may appreciate an update on your plans.

Contact Poppleston Allen​​ for more details and its other services.

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