Licensing Act 2003 - Overview

The Licensing Act 2003 changed the way that businesses including pubs, nightclubs, take-aways and restaurants apply for licences to sell alcohol and late night refreshments as well as providing public entertainment facilities. It means that there is now a single system for licensing and Three Rivers District Council is responsible for dealing with licensing functions for the following activities:

• Retail sale and supply of alcohol
• Performance of a play
• Exhibition of a film
• Indoor sporting events
• Boxing or wrestling events
• Performing live music
• Dancing
• Providing facilities for making music or dancing
• Supplying hot food or drink after 11pm until 5am

The Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) requires that all Licensing Authorities should issue a Statement of Licensing Policy and that the Policy should be reviewed every 3 years. However, as a result of the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act 2011 (PRSRA 2011) the term for a full review of the Licensing Policy Statement has been extended from 3 years to 5 years. The current Policy, dated 2016-2021, was reviewed and revised and formally adopted by Full Council on 7 December 2015 following a consultation process. This policy document is used to make decisions on licence and notice applications made under the new Licensing Act 2003. The policy also explains our aims when it comes to licensing and includes preventing crime and disorder, protecting public safety, preventing nuisance and protecting children from harm.

Licensing Policy 2016-2021

For more information, or answers to frequently asked questions, you can visit the website for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.