How can I find out if an application for a premises licence or club premises certificate has been received?
Once the licensing authority has received an application, the regulations require that a notice be prominently placed so that it can be conveniently read from the exterior of the premises to which the application relates and advertised in the local newspaper. View applications received (updated weekly).
What is the period of time allowed to make representations to an application?
Representations may be made during a period of 28 days starting from the day after the application was given to the licensing authority. Representations will only be considered if they are submitted within this time period. They may only be submitted by Responsible Authorities (e.g. Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue, Local Planning Authority, Environmental Health) or Interested Parties.
What should I include in my representation for it to be valid?
Your written representation must address at least one of the following Licensing objectives:
It must also relate to the application in question and you must either live in, or your business be located within the vicinity of the location of the application in order that your representation be considered valid. Representations must not be frivolous, repetitive or vexatious. Interested Parties must ensure that their objections are factually correct, substantial and supported by evidence.
How do I make a representation?
It must be made in writing (you can complete the online form) to the Licensing Services Manager. You must state the grounds upon which you are making representations. You should note that at the hearing you can only rely on the grounds stated in your notice. If you have any additional documentary or other information you wish to reply on at the hearing, you should ensure it is copied to all parties in advance of the hearing.
Can I be represented?
You may put forward your representation yourself or you may ask a local Councillor, solicitor or friend to assist you.
What will happen once I’ve submitted my letter of representation?
The Licensing Services Unit will acknowledge receipt of your letter of representation. Upon reaching the closing date for receipt of representations, should there be very few representations, the Licensing Services Unit will contact those persons who’ve made representations to ascertain if a hearing is absolutely necessary or if negotiations can be made away from a hearing.
Interested parties 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 further applications would need to be re-advertised, as set out above. Interested parties will then have to decide whether to make representations about the further application.
How will I know if the application I have made representations on is going to a hearing?
A Notice of Hearing will be prepared by the Council’s Committee Services team and this will set out details of the application type, the applicant together with the interested parties and any Responsible Authorities that have made representations.
A copy of the notice is sent to all persons (including the applicant) indicating the date, time and location of the hearing. All parties named on the notice are asked, by no later than 5 working days before the hearing, to inform the Council if they wish to attend the hearing and speak.
If a hearing is considered necessary, when is it required to take place?
The Council is required to arrange a hearing within 20 working days following the close of the 28-day period for submission of representations.
Who is entitled to attend a hearing should one be arranged?
Any member of the public can attend a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing including the press. However, only the applicant, those persons who have made representations on an application and any responsible authorities can address the hearing on the application.
Where can I get more information about the Licensing Act 2003?
If you require further information relating to the application process, please contact the Council’s Licensing Services Unit.
Licensing
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk
If you require information generally on the Licensing Act 2003, this can be obtained from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Department for Culture Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH
Email: enquiries@culture.gov.uk
Web: www.culture.gov.uk (this page opens in a new window)
Further information on the hearings process can be found in the Guide to Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings.