Understanding Licensing Law: An Overview
Licensing laws provide the legal framework for regulatory compliance in the UK. As a body of law, they are used by designated authorities to ensure that certain activities are conducted legally and responsibly, with the aim of upholding standards and public safety while enabling fair competition. For businesses, licensing is not just a legal requirement; […]
Licensing Solicitors: Market Guide & Tips
In most cases, licences are business-critical to an organisation’s operations. Licensing solicitors are specialist legal professionals who focus on obtaining, managing, and defending licences for individuals and businesses across various sectors, including alcohol, entertainment and gambling. In a market as dynamic and regulated as the UK, licensing solicitors not only help businesses navigate the complex […]
What is the Challenge 25 Policy?
Selling alcohol to underage customers is a legal offence which can result in unwanted penalties for the premises licence holder. Through Challenge 25, responsible licensees can reduce the risk of breaking the law and having enforcement action taken against them. What is Challenge 25? Challenge 25 is a policy whereby anyone buying alcohol […]
The Law on Children in Pubs
As a pub landlord or other licence holder, it’s important to understand the law relating to children in pubs and other licensed premises. Breaking the law in this area can have serious consequences for you and your business. Are children allowed in pubs? In the UK, pubs and other licensed premises must follow […]
UK Software Licensing Laws (An Overview!)
Software licensing in the UK governs the use of software businesses purchase or use. Software products generally have a licence agreement that dictates what users can and cannot do with the software. Typically, you must agree to the terms of a software license either upon installation or at the first use. Ensuring you have the […]
The Role of the Designated Premises Supervisor
What is a Designated Premises Supervisor? Under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, with the exception of certain community premises, every premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol must specify a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). A Designated Premises Supervisor is usually the person who has been given day-to-day responsibility for the running […]
Licence Holders & the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 the police or local authority have the power to close premises quickly, including licensed premises, which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder. Moreover, if there is a risk of recurrence, the court has the power to grant an […]
What is a Personal Alcohol Licence?
A personal alcohol licence is required by anyone authorising the sale of alcohol from licensed premises. The following guide looks at who can apply for a personal alcohol licence, how long it lasts, how much it costs and how, in some cases, your licence can be suspended, revoked or surrendered. What is a personal […]
What is the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders?
BIIAB is the awarding body of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the professional body for the licensed retail industry. It specialises in work-based learning, providing a range of commercial vocational qualifications, including the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders. What is the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders? […]
How to Apply for a Premises Licence
Under the Licensing Act 2003 (England and Wales) and the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, a premises licence must be obtained to carry out certain prescribed licensable activities, including the sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshments. How to apply for a premises licence An application for a […]
Guide to the Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 governs the sale and supply of alcohol and late night refreshments and the provision of regulated entertainment in England and Wales. Under the 2003 Act the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of licensing rests with local authorities, acting through licensing committees. The responsible licensing authority must at all times seek […]
Premises Licence Application Guidance
If your business or organisation is involved in a licensable activity, including the sale and supply of alcohol, you will need a premises licence or other similar authorisation from the licensing authority. Below is a practical guide to making a premises licence application and some of the considerations that should be made. What is […]
Do You Need a Dog Boarding Licence?
If you’re thinking about starting up a dog boarding business, apart from putting in place suitable accommodation and arrangements to care for other people’s beloved pets, you will also need a licence from your local council. This is to help ensure the health and welfare of any animals in someone else’s care when operating for […]
How to Make a Personal Licence Application
Under the Licensing Act 2003, every sale of alcohol from licensed premises in England and Wales must be authorised by a personal licence holder. The following guide looks at the eligibility criteria when making a personal licence application, as well as some of the practical challenges you might face when applying for a personal alcohol […]
How to Get a Dog Breeding Licence
Dog breeders are required by law to meet various health and welfare conditions, including obtaining and retaining a dog breeding licence. The following guide to the law on dog breeding looks specifically at the licensing requirements, from who needs to obtain a dog breeding licence (in England) and the conditions that must be met, to […]
Why Ladies Night is Illegal: Nightclub Policy & Equality Act
From refusing entry to groups of men to offering discounted drinks for women, nightclubs risk breaking the law with discriminatory policies that could see them face claims for discrimination. Nightclub policies & discrimination: what the law says While nightclubs may have a general right to refuse entry, by law they have to ensure […]