Representations - commenting on licensing applications

Members of the Public

Members of the public can make a representation to object to or support a licensing application for premises near their home. You can make a representation about many aspects of an application for a new licence or the variation of an existing one (for example to put on additional activities or extend opening hours). You can also seek a review of an existing licence.

Any representations must be received by the Licensing Authority within 28 days of an application being made.

The Licensing Authority will not write to warn occupants of nearby premises when an application is received but applications will be advertised as detailed below.

Licensing Information for Residents (122kB PDF)

Elected Members (Councillors)

The Licensing Act was amended in January 2010 to allow all elected Members of the Council to make representations on applications or call for reviews of existing licences.

The following documents give advice to Councillors:

Guidance to Councillors (207kB PDF)
FAQs about Councillor Representations (61kB PDF)

How applications will be advertised

Applications will be advertised in several ways:

• light blue posters must be in place at the premises for 28 days from the date of the application
• the newspaper advertisements can be in any local paper and may take up to two weeks to appear. If you see the advertisement you may have as little as two weeks left in which to respond
• on the Licensing Applications Search section of our Public Access website
• details of recent applications and decisions can also be found on our Current Applications page.

How to make a representation

Representations must be sent to us in writing and must include the following information:

• the application reference number or premises address, so we know which application your representation is about
• a note of which licensing objectives apply to your comments
• your contact details (including your address), so that we can keep you informed and invite you to attend any hearing about the application

We cannot take anonymous representations into account, and the applicant will receive a copy of your representation if we accept it.

You can make a representation if you live or are involved in a business in the vicinity of the premises.

Our considered as being in the vicinity if your residence or business is likely to be affected by disorder or disturbance occurring or potentially occurring on the premises or immediately outside the premises.

Groups representing people living or businesses trading in the vicinity of the premises can also appoint spokespersons to make representations on their behalf.

Below is a leaflet you may find helpful:

Guidance for Making a Representation leaflet (157kB PDF)

You can submit your representation by email or post. See the right hand side of the page for contact details.

You can apply for review of a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate by using the form below:

Licence Review Application Form (111kB PDF)

Page last reviewed 1 March 2012