Guidance for residents

Guidance for residents

Background

In 2005, Westminster City Council took over the responsibility for licensing all premises that sell alcohol or hot food and drink after 11pm within our boundaries, as a result of the Licensing Act 2003. This Act removes the responsibility for administering Licences from magistrates and gives it to local authorities.

They decide on all licensing applications acting as the 'Licensing Authority'. It also means that venues that sell alcohol may apply to stay open for longer.

How this could affect you

We know that many of you feel concerned about the effect extended licensing hours could have on your community. Westminster City Council is committed to addressing your concerns. These pages explain how the law directs the steps you can take if you feel that the granting of an extended licence, or a change of use (e.g. a pub being granted a licence for a dancefloor) might have a negative effect on you or your area. It also explains what steps can be taken if problems arise after a venue has been granted a licence, for example how to apply for a review of a premises.

Further information

For additional information please download Westminster's Licensing Policy or call the Licensing Hotline on 020 7641 6514.

Advice is available from a specialist Licensing Advice Worker at the Citizens Advice Bureau (Emily Scantlebury; tel: 0208 964 9704 or email: licensing@westminstercab.org). Further information from the Citizens Advice Bureau can be found on their website: http://www.licensingadvice.org.

Information is also available from our libraries and One Stop Services.

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