Top tips on conducting your own licence inspection

Licensees should continually review, update and make use of their venue policies. However, it is surprising how many operators fail to conduct basic in-house licensing inspections. Such regular checks could help you avoid the costly effects of a review or prosecution. Our list provides the typical checks that enforcing authorities are likely to conduct at licensed premises.

This list is by no means exhaustive and obviously can be amended to include particular issues for your licensed premises.

  • Display each page of the premises licence summary at the premises.
  • Display a notice specifying the person nominated to have custody of the premises licence.
  • Check that the current name and/or address of the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor are shown on the premises licence.
  • Check the premises is trading in accordance with the activities permitted and in accordance with the opening and closing times shown.
  • Check that the premises is trading in accordance with all of the conditions on the licence, including the mandatory conditions.
  • Check that any CCTV system is properly operational and, if appropriate, complies with the terms of the conditions on the premises licence.
  • Ensure that all members of staff including managers and, if appropriate, doorstaff are familiar with the conditions on the licence, trading times and regulatory activities.  
  • Staff should also be familiar with the law in relation to the sale of alcohol to under-18s and the sale of alcohol to drunks.
  • A full and detailed record of all training should be made, retained and repeated on a regular basis.
  • All personal licence holders must notify the council of any change of name and/or address;
  • Check all stock to ensure that the premises is not unlawfully storing or selling counterfeit goods.
  • Ensure all staff know that they are authorised by a personal licence holder to sell alcohol.
  • Ensure that staff are familiar with all policies, especially those concerning age verification in order to prevent underage sales.
  • If your premises is operating under a temporary event notice, check the terms of the notice.

A simple form showing a tick box, comments section, date and signature by management is a good start towards protecting not only the premises licence holder, but those who could be prosecuted for breaches under the Licensing Act 2003 or other regulatory legislation.