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) and the
Licensing Act 2003 (new window) on the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport website.
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 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.
Our current licensing policy came into effect on 7 January 2008
for the period until 6 January 2011.
Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF files.
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 385100.
Email:
licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Back to Alcohol and entertainment
licensing.