Licensees urged to respond to guidance

Licensees are being warned they have a limited amount of time to respond to the premises licence guidance under the new Licensing Act.

The guidance was revealed last week to a shower of criticism because it looks to be creating even more bureaucracy. But there is an eight-week consultation period and those who have concerns should raise them.

The form is packed full of jargon that most independent licensees will not have the time to grapple with and there are a number of issues that will need addressing.

Advertising costs is one area of concern as licensees are to be forced to publicise changes to their premises licences in local newspapers.

Bill Sharp sits on the advisory panel at the Department for Culture Media and Sport and is licensee at the Kings Arms at London Bridge.

"The guidance is disappointing," said Mr Sharp. "The only people who will benefit if it goes forward are lawyers. Let's just hope the fees we are still waiting for are reasonable."

Kate Nicholls of the Red Tape Group added: "The government promised that this reform would reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and costs and yet all we can see is that it will increase red tape."

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) also identified concerns over the guidance on licensing.

This states that the licensing authority will only be empowered to dispense with a hearing if all parties agree it is necessary. If objectors fail to turn up a hearing will be held in their absence.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the ALMR, said: "Many independent operators will not feel comfortable without legal advice on these forms.

"We will look closely at the guidance and aim to make our submission in the next week."

Related articles:​

Licensing Act guidelines published (15 September 2004)