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The Licensing Act 2003 (Alcohol and Entertainment)

The licensing of alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment has been combined under The Licensing Act 2003 into a single integrated scheme. The Act also marks the end of the previous licensing procedures as Melton Borough Council rather than the Magistrates' Court now deals with these applications for the borough. Instead of having separate licences for regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and alcohol, The Licensing Act 2003 incorporates these into a single licence and allows the applicant to apply to tailor the hours and days to suit themselves.

This means that if you are involved with organising or running any of the following you are strongly encouraged to speak to us about ensuring you are properly licensed:

Pubs and nightclubs
Shops selling alcohol
Members’ Clubs
Dance floors
Restaurants
Village fetes & shows
Larger shows & festivals
Takeaways open after 11pm
The showing of films, including film clubs
Live musical performances
Beer tents
Discos and recorded music
Wrestling & boxing displays
Indoor sports with audiences (eg pub league tournaments)
Historical re-enactments
Private events with a pay bar
Theatres and plays, including amateur dramatics
Farmers' Markets or stalls selling alcohol
Musical instruments provided for the public to play
Any event where an entry ticket purchased entitles the holder to a free alcoholic drink.

Note: This is not a complete list of possibilities. If you are unsure then please contact us or seek independent legal advice.

Licensing Objectives

The Act sets out key licensing objectives that must be promoted by the Council as the licensing authority in carrying out its duties under the new system of licensing. The key licensing objectives are: