The Licensing Act 2003

Licensing Policy 2011-2014

The Council’s Licensing Policy explains how the Council, acting as the Licensing Authority, intends to promote the Licensing Objectives in Islington. The Licensing Objectives are:

Prevention of Public Nuisance,

Prevention of Crime and Disorder,

Public Safety, and

Protecting Children from Harm,

The purpose of the policy is:

• to inform licence applicants of the way in which the Licensing Authority will make licensing decisions and how licensed premises are likely to be permitted to operate;
• to inform residents and businesses of the way in which the Licensing Authority will make licensing decisions and how their needs and concerns will be dealt with.

It is important to be aware that the licensing policy only becomes relevant to the consideration of an application if the Licensing Authority receives representations from responsible authorities and/or interested parties. Where no representations are received, applications are only subject to the provisions of the Act and statutory guidance, and have to be granted in the terms sought by the applicant, with the imposition of only the relevant mandatory conditions.

The Licensing Act 2003

The Government passed a new licensing act in July 2003. This act radically transforms the country’s licensing laws and affects anyone concerned with:

• pubs
• members’ clubs
• off-licences
• late-night entertainment venues
• restaurants and take-away premises serving alcohol
• businesses offering hot food between 11pm and 5am
• theatres
• cinemas
• provision of facilities for licensable entertainment

In addition to transforming licensing requirements, the act provides for greater freedoms in opening hours.

Online Register

You can search for submitted Licensing Act 2003 applications, granted licences and variations to licences by clicking the Licensing Online link on the right of this page under Related Information. Searches by premises name, street or licence type are possible.

Once you have selected a premises you will be able to see the history of applications and any conditions on current licences. For information on the types of licences available, visit the Types of Licence page from the navigation menu on the left.

You can also submit online representations if you have any concerns about applications or granted licences you view. For further information and guidance on doing this, visit Making a Representation by clicking that link on the left. If you have any difficulties using the licence search, the Licensing Service will be happy to deal with any enquiries. Contact details for the service are below.

Licensee Schemes

The council encourages local licensees to join Pubwatch, Clubwatch and Shopwatch schemes. These schemes aim to support the creation of a safe and secure social environment throughout licensed premises in the UK. For more details, follow the links on the right of this page.

Contact

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