Raise concerns or request a review of licensed premises
Most concerns regarding licensed premises can be resolved through communication, partnership working and early intervention. However, where problems persist and are affecting the community, residents have the right to request a formal review of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003.
- Steps to take before considering a review
- When a review application may be appropriate
- How to submit a review application
- What happens after an application is made
Speak to the premises
Where you feel comfortable doing so, consider contacting the licence holder or premises manager to:
- Explain the problem
- Discuss the impact on residents
- Seek assurances that steps will be taken to address concerns
Many issues can be resolved through improved management practices without the need for formal action.
Contact the relevant authority
Depending on the nature of the issue, you may wish to contact:
Licensing team for:
- Concerns about compliance with licence conditions or hours
- Customer behaviour linked to the premises
- Premises licence holder or staff behaviour
- The operation of outdoor drinking areas
Environmental health for:
- Excessive noise from music, customers or equipment
- Late-night disturbances
- Potential statutory noise nuisance
Police for:
- Crime and disorder
- Violence
- Drug-related concerns
- Anti-social behaviour
- Underage or proxy sales
Keep records
Maintain a log of incidents including:
- Date and time
- Description of what happened
- Duration of disturbance
- Impact on you and your household
- Any photographs, videos or recordings where appropriate
Evidence is often essential if further action becomes necessary.
A review application should only be made where there is evidence that one or more of the licensing objectives are being undermined.
The four licensing objectives are:
Preventing crime and disorder
Examples of behaviour which would undermine this:
- Violence
- Drug misuse
- Anti-social behaviour
- Criminal activity associated with the premises
Public safety
Examples of behaviour which would undermine this:
- Overcrowding
- Unsafe management of events
- Failure to manage queues or emergencies
Preventing public nuisance
Examples of behaviour which would undermine this:
- Excessive noise
- Disturbance from customers
- Problems associated with outdoor drinking areas
- Late-night disruption affecting residents
Protecting children from harm
Examples of behaviour which would undermine this:
- Underage sales of alcohol
- Inappropriate exposure of children to licensed activities
A review application is more likely to be successful where concerns are supported by evidence. Examples include:
- Incident diaries
- Correspondence with the premises
- Noise records
- Photographs or videos
- Statements from affected residents
- Reference numbers from complaints made to the council or police
- Professional evidence from responsible authorities
There will be greater weight on evidence demonstrating a pattern of ongoing issues rather than isolated incidents.
Before applying for a review, have you:
- Reported incidents to the appropriate authority?
- Kept a diary of incidents?
- Given the premises an opportunity to resolve the problem?
- Contacted licensing, environmental health or the police where appropriate?
- Gathered evidence that demonstrates an ongoing issue?
- Considered whether the problem relates to one or more licensing objectives?
If you answer "Yes" to most of the above and problems continue, a review application may be appropriate.
You will need to:
- Complete a Premises Licence Review Application Form
- Clearly explain your concerns
- Identify which licensing objective(s) are affected
- Attach relevant supporting evidence
The application should explain:
- What problems are occurring
- How often they occur
- The impact on residents or the community
- Why existing measures are not resolving the issue
- Provide evidence as outlined at step 3
Initial validation
The Licensing Authority will assess whether:
- The application is valid
- It relates to one or more licensing objectives
- It is not frivolous, vexatious or repetitive
Public consultation
If accepted, the application will enter a consultation period. During this period:
- Notices will be displayed
- Responsible Authorities will be consulted
- Members of the public may make representations
Licensing hearing
A Licensing Sub-Committee will consider:
- The review application
- Evidence submitted by all parties
- Any representations received
All parties will have an opportunity to present their case.
The Licensing Sub-Committee may decide to:
- Take no action
- Modify licence conditions
- Remove existing permissions
- Exclude specific licensable activities
- Require changes to operating practices
- Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor
- Suspend the licence for up to three months
- Revoke the premises licence in the most serious cases
Any action taken must be appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives.
Can a single resident apply for a review?
Yes. A review application can be submitted by an individual resident, although supporting evidence will strengthen the application.
Do I need legal representation?
No. You are entitled to represent yourself during the review process.
Will my details be shared?
Review applications form part of a legal process and application details are available to interested parties. Personal data will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.
Can I submit a review because I simply do not want a licensed premises nearby?
No. Concerns must relate to one or more of the four licensing objectives.