Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) came into force on the 24th November 2005.  It replaced the a number of different licensing regimes with one single regime covering the following licensable activities:

• the sale by retail of alcohol,
• the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or the order of, a member of the club,
• the provision of regulated entertainment, and
• the provision of late night refreshement.

The Act established four statutory licensing objectives that are paramount when any relevant matters are considered.  The licensing objectives are:

• the prevention of crime and disorder;
• public safety;
• the prevention of public nuisance; and
• the protection of children from harm.

Unlike previous licensing regimes where numerous different licences were required for different licensable activities the Licensing Act creates four different types of authorisations that cover all licensable activities.  To apply for one of these permissions or to find out further information click on the relevant permission below:

• Personal Licences - to sell or supply alcohol and/or authorise the sale/supply.
• Premises Licences - to use a premises for licensable activities.
• Club Premises Certificates - to allow a qualifying club to engage in qualifying club activities as set out in Section 1 of the Act.
• Temporary Event Notice (TEN) - to carry out licensable activities at a temporary event.

Westminster City Council's Licensing Policy

As a requirement of the Act the Council as Licensing Authority must publish a Licensing Policy every three years.  Every premises related application other than TEN's will be considered under this policy.  To view the current Licensing Policy click here.

The Council has consulted on Issues and Proposed Revisions for its second review of the Statement of Licensing Policy.  To read the Council's response to consultation and revisions it now proposes to make to the policy please click here.

Secretary of State Guidance to Local Authorities

The Secretary of State has also published Guidance to Local Authorities under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.  To view this guidance click here.

Licensing Act 2003 Registers

As a requirement of the Licenisng Act 2003 the Council must maintain a public register of any licences or permissions issued and any changes that have been made to those licences or permissions.  To view the Council's online licensing registers click here.