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Vale of Glamorgan Council

Licensing Act 2003

 

The Licensing Act 2003 came into force on the 24th November 2005. Local Authorities are now responsible for licensing alcohol and other activities within the Council area.

 

The change in law affects everyone. The most noticeable is the end of 'permitted hours'. Instead of a fixed closing time, bars and clubs and other premises are allowed to open during the hours they choose, subject to representations from others. Rules about the selling of alcohol to under 18's have been tightened up and simplified, and the rules about children's access to licensed premises have also changed.

 

A licence is required for the following activities:

  • To sell alcohol by retail
  • If you are a qualifying club, to supply alcohol to a club member, or to sell alcohol to a guest of a club member
  • To provide Regulated Entertainment
  • To sell late night refreshment - hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am for consumption on and off the premises, unless you are a hotel, staff canteen or campsite

Statement of Licensing Policy

 

Under the Licensing Act 2003, local authorities have a statutory duty to review their licensing policies every three years.  The current policy came into effect on 7th January 2008 after being approved by full Council.  It has served well in dealing with applications made under the Licensing Act 2003 - no aspects of the current policy have been subject to legal challenge.

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has determined to reaffirm its current Statement of Licensing Policy of 2008 – 2011.

 

It is important to set out clearly why the Licensing Authority has decided to take this approach.   You may be aware that on 20th July 2010, the Prime Minister announced that responsibility for the Licensing Act 2003, except for regulated entertainment, was being transferred from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to the Home Office.  On 28th July 2010, the Home Secretary launched a consultation on a wide range of options to overhaul the Licensing Act.  The consultation “Rebalancing the Licensing Act: - A consultation on empowering individuals, families and local communities to shape and determine local licensing” demonstrates the coalition government’s intention to make major changes to licensing legislation.  This is likely to necessitate significant changes to Guidance issued under the Act and associated regulations.  In light of the impending changes at a national level, it is highly likely that a full review of the Council’s Licensing Policy will be required during the next 12 – 18 months.

 

Read our Statement of Licensing Policy

Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU, Tel: (01446) 700111