Understanding liquor licensing

The law that underpins liquor licensing is the Licensing Act 2003. Liquor is the official name that is used to describe any alcoholic drink. The new Act made a number of changes to make the licensing laws more efficient and also created a new type of licence called a ‘personal licence’. Under the new Act liquor licensing consists of:

Premises licences
Personal licences
Club Premises Certificates
Temporary event licences

The divorcing of liquor licensing from the premises that sells the alcohol is a new part of licensing laws in England and Wales that you must clearly understand. If you have any doubts about the legality of your business’s right to sell alcohol, consult your Local Authority, or a solicitor that has experience in licensing law. Remember, ignorance is no defence if you are taken to court for breaking any of the current liquor licensing laws.

Personal liquor licensing was bought in to make it easier for people in the hospitality industries to move from employer to employer. Premises that want to sell alcohol still need a licence, but this can include a ‘designated premises supervisor’ that will also be the personal licence holder. Again, if you are unsure of your legal status, always get the advice of a solicitor as soon as you can.

Whatever licence you need, you must obtain this from a licensing authority. In most towns and cities the licensing authority is the Local Authority which has a special committee that grants or rejects new applications for liquor licensing.

Your solicitor can help you make sure your application is correct, accurate and complies with all the current regulations. Note that you will have a check made on your background to see if you have any criminal record.

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