Licensing Lawyers

06/11/2024

To***co and V**e licensing : something new or something re-invented ?

The To***co and V**es Bill seeks to introducing a licensing scheme for ;
- selling
- exposing for sale
- possessing for sale
various products, including to***co, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, va**ng and ni****ne products.

It looks as if there will be a prohibition on shops in certain areas (perhaps near schools, for example) and the numbers that can obtain a licence.

Whilst there is a lot of detail yet to be revealed, there seem to be similarities with alcohol licensing though the need for both 'Premises' and 'Personal' Licences. We will watch developments with interest !

26/01/2024

Congratulations to Futuresound and LFX Events on obtaining a licence for Ludlow Castle this week : Glad that we could assist in the process.

18/12/2023

With licensed premises expected to see a significant rise in customers over the Christmas period, the Government has updated the Secretary of State's official guidance under the Licensing Act 2003 to include a definition of "spiking".

All licensed premises should consider what measures they have in place to prevent spiking as part of their obligation to promote the licensing objectives, in this case the prevention of crime & disorder.

This guidance is provided to support licensing authorities to carry out their functions under the Licensing Act 2003.

22/11/2023

Last week our senior partner Jon Payne presented a talk at the Institute of Licensing's National Training Conference on caravan site licensing.

In many cases a site owner must have a licence issued by their local authority in order to station caravans on the land, regardless of whether they are for holiday or residential use.

Our lawyers are experts in this niche area of law regularly assist clients with applying for, varying, or transferring caravan site licences, as well as advising on alleged breaches of licence conditions. Contact us today to see how we can assist you.

10/11/2023

The King's Speech 2023

The Government has unveiled it's legislative plans for 2023-2024. Significant proposals which will impact licensing include:

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill-requiring premises with a capacity of 100 or more to take "necessary but proportionate steps" to mitigate the threat of terrorism and reduce harm.

The To***co and V**es Bill-banning the sale of ci******es to anyone born after 1st January 2009, cracking down on youth va**ng, granting further enforcement powers.

The Pedicabs (London) Bill-giving TfL control over currently unlicensed pedicabs.

24/10/2023

The Night Time Industries Association has published it's 2024 'manifesto', containing over 40 recommendations. It is well worth a read for anyone involved in the night time economy.

06/10/2023

Some more fire safety news: If you have residential accommodation as part of your licensed premises, then the updated guidance on fire doors may be of interest: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance

05/10/2023

What actually constitutes 'alcohol-free'? In the U.K the legal threshold for a drink to be considered alcohol free is 0.05% ABV. As part of the Government's long term plan to encourage the growing market for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks the Department for Health & Social Care has proposed raising this level to 0.5%. Click the link below to take part in their public consultation and have your say.

A consultation seeking your views on potential changes to the government’s guidance on low-alcohol descriptors.

26/09/2023

Following the Government's decision to extend the temporary off-sales permission for premises licences until March 2025, a new update to the guidance has been published by the Home Office.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

21/09/2023

National Pubwatch (NPW) is a voluntary organisation working with 800 local pubwatch schemes to promote "safe, secure and social drinking environments". If you operate a pub, bar or nightclub why not take a look at their educational & training films on Youtube to see how you improve your premises.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation set up to promote best practice through supporting the work of local Pubwatch Schemes. Its aim is to achieve a ...

19/09/2023

Are you a Responsible Person ? : Check to see online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-fire-safety-responsibilities-under-the-fire-safety-order

Fire Safety is really important in any licensed premises and it is worth checking from time to time that you are up to date, especially given the latest guidance if your licensed premises also involves 2 or more domestic units - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-act-addendum/fire-safety-act-addendum

12/09/2023

The Animal Welfare Committee has published an opinion on the welfare of snakes housed in vivaria in licensed pet selling establishments in England.

Any premises which sells animals in the course of business must be licensed by the local authority and adhere to strict conditions on animal welfare. Our lawyers can assist both applicants and established premises navigating this often tricky area of law.

Animal Welfare Committee opinion on the welfare of snakes housed in vivaria in licensed pet selling establishments in England.