The Licensing Act 2003 and licence applications

We send all relevant representations to the licence applicant before we publish the panel report. This is in line with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 – legislation.gov.uk.

They may contact you to discuss your concerns and try to resolve the issues you have raised. Should your concerns be satisfactorily addressed, you may withdraw your representation at any time. 

You may also be invited to attend a mediation meeting with the applicant to discuss your concerns.

Hearings

If we consider that the representations are valid, we must hold a hearing to consider those representations or requests. This is unless all parties can come to an agreement beforehand, and agree that a hearing is unnecessary.

For example, we may try to resolve matters via a negotiated agreement outside a formal hearing. You will need to decide if this is appropriate for you. 

If you decide that you do not agree with the proposed settlement, your representation will go before a hearing.

In this instance we will write to inform you of the date, time and format of the hearing.

If an applicant withdraws their application after a hearing date has been arranged, we will write to you to let you know that the hearing has been cancelled, wherever possible.

Applications can be withdrawn at any time up to 24 hours before the hearing so this may not be possible. A person making a representation should be aware that if they make representations about an application that is later withdrawn, and the applicant makes a new, amended application, their representations will not automatically be taken forward.

Any amended application would need to be re-advertised. Only then will there be an opportunity to decide whether to make representations about the new application.

Before the hearing

Any person making a representation is required to give notice to us, the licensing authority, at least 5 working days before the start of the hearing. You mist state:

• whether you will attend the hearing in person
• whether you will be represented by someone else such as a friend, councillor or lawyer
• whether you think that a hearing is unnecessary (if, for example you have come to an agreement before the formal hearing)
• if you want another person to appear at the hearing (not to represent you)
  • a request for permission for the person to attend
  • details of their name
  • how they may be able to assist the authority in relation to the application

We will write to you at the appropriate time to remind you to give us these details. You must let us know as soon as possible (by a letter no later than 24 hours before the start of a hearing, or orally at the hearing) if you wish to withdraw your representation.

At the hearing

Hearings take place before a panel of 3 councillors. Hearings are generally held in public, unless the panel decides it is in the public interest to hold all, or part of the hearing in private.

If there are a number of representations against an application, then representors (a person who supports or objects the application) will be asked to appoint a single spokesperson to represent the views of all the representors.

You do not have to attend the hearing, however this is your opportunity to put forward your case. Please note that if you or the applicant decides not to attend the hearing it may go ahead without you or the applicant being present. Your written representation or review request will still be considered.

At the start of the hearing the procedure will be explained. The panel will consider evidence produced before the hearing. It can also consider additional documentary evidence produced by a party at the hearing, but only if all parties agree. 

Cross examination of one party by another during a hearing is not usually allowed. The parties are entitled to address the panel and will be able to ask questions of any other party through the chairman of the panel.

As a result of the hearing, the licensing authority must then decide how to proceed in order to promote the licensing objectives. It may:

• grant or vary the licence in the terms it was applied for
• refuse to issue or vary the licence
• grant or vary the licence but with changed or additional conditions
• exclude from the licence a licensable activity
• in the case of a premises licence, refuse to specify a person as the premises supervisor

A decision will usually be given at the end of the hearing and confirmed in writing. We will include information on the right of a party to appeal against the decision.

Full hearing procedures