Making Representations
For new Premises Licences, Club Premises Certificates and Variations, copies of applications must be provided to the responsible authorities by the Applicant. Where they feel that the proposed will affect the licensing objectives they can make representations to the Licensing Authority.
In addition, a new Premises Licence, Club Premises Certificate or Variation Application will be advertised by way of public notice that gives "interested" parties an opportunity to make "relevant representations".
These representations must be made during a period of 28 consecutive days starting on the day after the application is made to the Licensing Authority.
Representations must be relevant and are only considered relevant if they relate to the likely effect of the grant of the Licence in relation to one of the four licensing objectives:
1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Prevention of public nuisance
3. Protection of children from harm
4. Public safety
Any representation that fails to meet one or more of these criterion is not relevant for the purposes of the Licensing Act and it will be for the Licensing Authority to decide what is relevant.
For example,
A representation is not intended to be a "re-run" of the planning application.
OR
As the Premises Licence authorises the activities under the Act, if a representation from a local businessman argued that his business would be commercially damaged by the new business for which an application is being made - this representation would not be relevant.
BUT
A representation to the effect that nuisance caused by the new business would deter customers from entering the local area and the steps proposed by the new applicant are inadequate would amount to a "relevant representation".
It is for the Licensing Authority to decide each application on its own merits as to whether a representation is vexatious, frivolous or repetitive. The decision will be based on what might ordinarily be decided.
You can download a form to make a representation or objection for a premises licence below.