The council has published a statement of licensing policy that explains how it will make licensing decisions, its expectations of licensees and how residents and businesses’ concerns will be dealt with.
Premises licences and club certificates are granted indefinitely but they can be subject to review if representations are received from local residents, businesses or responsible authorities such as the Police, Fire Service or environmental health officers. The Licensing Act 2003 contains detailed requirements for residents and businesses that want to oppose an application for a new application or a variation of an existing licence.
Anyone wishing to make a representation must meet one of the following criteria:
Written representations must be submitted to the council within 28 days of the council receiving the application. The written representation must relate to one or more of the licensing objectives:
The council is required under the Act to discard representations that are repetitive, vexatious or frivolous. This means that it is important that representations refer to one or more of the licensing objectives and explain how the person making the representation would be or is personally affected by the operation of the premises applying for the licence variation.
Copies of the representation are given to the applicant so that they are aware of the issues of concern and have an opportunity to address these matters when the council considers the application. The council is unable to accept anonymous representations.
If the council receives any representations, the application will be referred to the Licensing Committee for determination. The committee meeting is a public hearing and both the applicant and anyone making representations will have the opportunity to appear before the committee.
In most cases the hearing will take place within two months of the date of the application. Most hearings will take place during the day. Anyone making a relevant representation will receive written confirmation and details of the time, date and venue of the committee hearing along with details of the hearing procedure at least ten days before the hearing.
The Licensing Committee is made up of a panel of ward councillors. They will have read any written representation before the hearing but there will be an opportunity for anyone making a relevant representation to speak at the hearing.
Having listened to the application and representations the committee will decide whether to grant, vary or refuse an application. The committee will announce its decision and give reasons. Anyone aggrieved by the decision will have the opportunity to appeal to the magistrates’ court against the committee’s decision.
The Licensing Service are able to answer any enquiries you may have or provide you with further information.
Licensing Service
Public Protection Division
Islington
Council
222 Upper Street
London N1 1XR
Tel:
020 7527 3031
Fax: 020 7527 3430
Email: licensing@islington.gov.uk
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008