1. HMG finally publish most of the outstanding regulations for reform (Continued)

Premises Licence Conversion and Variation - the prescribed form for conversion and simultaneous variation of a Premises Licence appears at Schedule 1 to the Order. In its present format, it does not allow for any variation hours for alcohol on Mondays (Monday is missing!)(Box M) - clearly a mistake!

Plans of the premises must accompany the application and unless the relevant Licensing Authority has previously agreed in writing with the applicant following request that an alternative scale is acceptable to it, the plans should be drawn on a standard scale (1:100). The particular requirements for plans are annexed hereto.

Under the Act (Schedule 8 Paragraph 2 (6) (b)) the plan is required in the specified form, of the premises to which the relevant existing licence or licences relate - unless, therefore, any of the existing (current) Licences specifically licence any external area (such as a patio etc - that is licensed on specific application to the Court) - it would appear that no external areas may need to be shown on the plans, a view to which the DCMS appears to agree. There remains a degree of uncertainty over this.

However, as a separate matter, the application form itself guidance note 1 indicates that the description within the form should include the type of premises, it's general situation and layout and any other information which be relevant to the licensing objectives. The additional requirement is that where the application includes off supplies of alcohol and provides a place for consumption of these off supplies a description should be included where that place is and it's proximity to the premises. It follows, therefore that "unlicensed" patios, forecourts and gardens, used for drinking under the existing regime, should be described in this manner.

More...

Back | Next