Pub licensing

The Licensing Act 2003, which came into force in November 2005, places the responsibility for pub licensing with Local Authorities - or Licensing Authorities, as they are defined in the Act. Under the Act every premise that sells or supplies alcohol must hold the correct licence, including pubs. Licensing laws dictate that for a pub to legally serve alcohol two licences must be in place:

Personal Licence

Every premise that sells or supplies alcohol, including a pub, must have at least one personal licence holder. A personal licence holder is an individual, usually the landlord of the pub or a senior employee, who has been granted the authority by a Licensing Authority to serve or supply alcohol on premises holding a valid premises licence. The personal licence holder can also authorise others to serve or supply alcohol on the premises.

Premises Licence

Pubs must hold a premises licence in addition to a person holding a personal licence. The holder of a premises licence can be an individual or a company. The premises licence allows licensable activities, such as the sale or supply of alcohol, to be carried out on the premises. The application must be made to the local Licensing Authority. The personal licence holder must sign a formal agreement accompanying the premises licence application which identifies them as the Designated Premises Supervisor. The application must be advertised in a local newspaper and advertised prominently on the pub premises.

Licensing laws are strict and there are many regulations to comply with. A licensing solicitor will be able to advise you on the specific rules applicable to pubs. Licensing Authorities have the power to visit premises and make sure everything is being properly carried out so it is important to regularly check your compliance with licensing regulations.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on pub licensing law, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local pub licensing solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local pub licensing solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.