Premises Licences , where is yours ?
It's a legal requirement to have your premises licence (or a certified copy) readily available at the licensed premises under the Licensing Act 2003 for several important reasons:* Compliance and Enforcement: The availability of the licence allows authorised officers (such as police or council licensing officers) to inspect it at any reasonable time to ensure the premises is operating within the law and adhering to the specified conditions. Failure to produce the licence upon request can result in fines.* Transparency for the Public: A summary of the premises licence must be prominently displayed where it can be easily seen by the public. This ensures transparency about what activities are licensed, the permitted hours, and other relevant information.* Awareness of Conditions: The full premises licence contains specific conditions that the licence holder must comply with. Having it readily available ensures that the licence holder and staff can easily refer to these conditions and remain compliant, preventing potential breaches. These conditions are legally binding.* Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS): For premises licensed to sell alcohol, the licence names a Designated Premises Supervisor who holds a personal licence. The premises licence confirms this appointment.* Accountability: The presence of the licence on the premises reinforces the licence holder's responsibility for the activities taking place and the adherence to the licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm).In essence, the requirement to have the premises licence available is a fundamental aspect of the regulatory framework established by the Licensing Act 2003. It facilitates monitoring, ensures compliance, and promotes transparency in the operation of licensed premises.