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Introduction to the Licensing Act 2003

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Introduction to the Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 was introduced in November 2005 with the aim of creating a simpler, transparent and accountable system of licensing.

Under the Act, a single premises licence (for public activities) or club premises certificate (for private members’ clubs) can authorise any combination of the following activities:

  • Sale or supply of alcohol*

  • Provision of 'regulated entertainment' (which includes live and recorded music, dancing, indoor sporting events, the performance of plays, and the exhibition of films).

  • Provision of late night refreshment (hot food and hot drink) between 11pm and 5am.

*Please note - a premises licence that includes the sale of alcohol must have a designated premises supervisor (DPS) named on the licence. The DPS must hold a personal licence.

There is also a system of temporary event notices for small-scale events not covered by a permanent licence.

You can find out more about alcohol and entertainment licensing (new window) on the Home Office website.

Public registers of premises and personal licences

Suffolk Coastal's online public registers of premises and personal licences and premises licence applications can be viewed by following the link below:

Applying for a licence

Follow the links below to find out more about personal and premises licences, temporary event notices, and how to apply:

Changes to a licence

The most common changes to existing premises licences are a variation to a premises licence, transfer of premises licence, and variation to the designated premises supervisor.

Application forms and guidance on how to apply are available from the links below:

Having your say

A key feature of the Act is that it gives local communities a say in licensing matters that affect them, not only when someone applies for a premises licence but at any time afterwards if the premises causes problems. Follow this link to find out more about having your say in licensing decisions.

Suffolk Coastal's Statement of Licensing Policy

The Council has adopted a Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. This statement shows how we carry out functions in support of the Government's licensing objectives:

  • Prevention of crime and disorder.

  • Public safety.

  • Prevention of public nuisance.

  • Protection of children from harm.

The statement also provides information for those wishing to apply for licences, and for those who wish their views to be heard on any such applications or about licences already held.

The current policy was adopted by the Council on 27 January 2011 and is effective from 31 January 2011 until revised (whether under statutory or voluntary arrangements).

Contact details

For more information and advice please contact:

Licensing Team,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge,
Suffolk IP12 1AU.

Telephone: 01394 444802.
Fax: 01394 444510.
Email: licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Back to Alcohol and entertainment licensing.

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