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Licensing laws are changing, and Babergh District Council is urging venues throughout the district to ensure they hold the correct licence – or face not being licensed at all.
Local Councils in their capacity as Licensing Authorities will begin implementing the Licensing Act 2003 from 7th February. There will be a 6 month period of conversion which will enable existing licence holders to convert to a new premises licence or a club premises certificate. The conversion period ends on 6th August 2005.
The new laws affect any premises licensed to sell alcohol, members’ club registrations, late night hot food or drink licences, public entertainment licences and theatre/cinema licences.
Under the new Act, local residents and businesses will have the opportunity to raise objections or representations to applications. These should be made within 28 days of an application being made, and can be submitted in writing, via email or fax to Babergh District Council’s Licensing Section.
Cllr. Nick Ridley, Chairman of Babergh’s Licensing and Appeals Committee “this is a significant change to the way licences have been issued in the past. As the Licensing Authority, we strongly recommend that any affected premises in the District – this could be anything from a village hall to a nightclub or superstore – ensure they have the correct licence in place by the end of the conversion period, 6th August 2005”.
Babergh District Council will be issuing relevant forms and a comprehensive guidance pack to identified licensable premises throughout the district over the coming weeks. Any premises who have not received the pack by 28th February should contact the Licensing Section on 01473 825719/01473 826658 to receive a copy. Guidance materials and application forms can also be found on the Council’s website.
Downloadable application forms and licence fees can be found on the Government website, http://www.culture.gov.uk/. |