Licensing Reviews

Complete Licensing’s fixed price licence reviewing service is designed to remove the uncertainty from what might seem like a troubling situation. An application for a Review of your Premises Licence can be brought by anyone – the police, a local resident, environmental health officers, the relevant licensing authority, trading standards authorities or even the Home Office’s immigration department. Such an occurrence can leave you feeling your business is in an uncertain place, so the knowledge that you can banish the thought of unknown costs in the face of contesting the Review is the perfect solution.

If a Review has been initiated it’s because something isn’t functioning correctly, and that’s likely to prove a worrying distraction for any licence holder. Reviews generally result in a hearing before the licensing authority, but when you put matters in our hands, you can focus on steering your business through a challenging and otherwise potentially costly period.

A Review could obviously have potentially serious repercussions for a business, with options open to the licensing authority including the removal of a DPS, a change to trading hours and even the suspension or removal of a licence. At Complete Licensing, we put our clients’ interests at the heart of everything and respond to Review applications swiftly and comprehensively. Our experts’ knowledge of the industry and the 2005 Licensing Act have proved invaluable in Reviews whenever we have represented clients.

Time is everything once a Review application has been scheduled and our experienced team will take instructions from you and hit the ground running, using our proven response system. Depending on the source of the Review application, you are likely to require an expert witness in the field of Crime and Disorder or Noise Nuisance. We will advise you on the issues that need to be covered and liaise with your chosen expert to address all the issues raised. Complete Licensing has access to leading experts who offer specially-negotiated and competitive fixed rates. As is the case with all our packages, our team will represent you before the licensing authority’s sub-committee for a sector-leading fixed fee.

 
 

Expedited Reviews

A Section 53A Summary Review Review is brought by police when they suspect serious crime or serious disorder, or both. Clients who find themselves facing this situation need the services of a team which can mobilise quickly and effectively – more than in any other field of licensing. As we work with Crime and Disorder experts on a regular basis, we can organise a team to support you within hours of your first contact with Complete Licensing. We will provide comprehensive advice and representation that puts you in the best position to avoid or set aside Interim Steps that the local authority may wish to initiate, measures which can often result in full closure within a very short space of time. Our team can then take you forward to your full Review hearing with the strongest possible case

What is a Licence Review?

When a responsible authority – or any individual – considers a licenced premises is not adhering to the terms of its licence, they can apply to the licensing authority for the licence to be reviewed. The application leads to a ‘Blue Notice’ being publicly displayed on the premises and a 28-day consultation process being invoked. If the application has been made by someone other than a responsible authority (for example, a local resident or residents’ association, a local business or trade association), the first consideration is whether the complaint is relevant, frivolous, vexatious or repetitious. If you think any of these apply, you should let the licensing authority know. If your premises licence is being reviewed it is crucial to seek advice as soon as possible, as preparation before the Review hearing can make the difference between success and failure.

What is the time frame for a Licence Review?

When a responsible authority – or any individual – considers a licenced premises is not adhering to the terms of its licence, they can apply to the licensing authority for the licence to be reviewed. The application leads to a ‘Blue Notice’ being publicly displayed on the premises and a 28-day consultation process being invoked. If the application has been made by someone other than a responsible authority (for example, a local resident or residents’ association, a local business or trade association), the first consideration is whether the complaint is relevant, frivolous, vexatious or repetitious. If you think any of these apply, you should let the licensing authority know. If your premises licence is being reviewed it is crucial to seek advice as soon as possible, as preparation before the Review hearing can make the difference between success and failure.

Are there different types of Review?

There are four main types of Review.

  • A standard Section 51 Licensing Act Review – involving a 28-day consultation period and a hearing in the following 10 to 28 days.

 

  • A less common review, is the Summary Review, brought by police when they consider the relevant premises has been linked with serious crime or serious disorder (or both). This process applies only where a premises licence authorises the sale of alcohol, and can only be sought by police. Summary Reviews, sometimes known as Expedited Reviews or Section 53A Reviews, are initially dealt with within 48 hours, after which Interim Steps are in place until a hearing within 28 days.

 

  • Review following a closure order under Section 160 of the Licensing Act 2003 in an area experiencing disorder. Where there is, or is expected to be disorder, a magistrates’ court may make an order requiring premises closure a) at or near the place of disorder or anticipated disorder or b) for a specified period, not exceeding 24 hours, where a premises order or temporary event notice is in effect.

 

  • Review following closure notice under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This is a particularly serious situation, and one in which licence holders should urgently seek advice.
What are the reasons I can have my Licence Reviewed?

The main reason for a licencing review is when the holder of a premise licence or club premises certificate does not uphold the licensing objectives (the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm). You can also find yourself in a review if you don’t adhere to the terms of your Licence.

Schedule an appointment

We know that a review can be a very stressful time, and we want you to know that we’re here to help.
We have the resources, the knowledge and the experience to help you. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.