Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 came into force in February 2005. The objectives of the act are to reduce crime and disorder related to the misuse of alcohol and to reduce the burden of regulation upon industry. The licensing act 2003 brought the provision of licences for all ‘licensable activities’ i.e. the sale and supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment, under the responsibility of the local authority. The Forest of Dean District Council are now responsible for issuing premises licences, personal licences, temporary event notices and club premises certificates. 

Licensing policy

A Licensing Policy has to be be published by the Council in accordance with the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, and the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. 

The Forest of Dean District Council adopted a new Licensing Policy on 2 December 2010 following consultation with the public, businesses and the responsible authorities and has now published the revised policy which comes into effect on 7 January 2010.  The policy will be reviewed again no later than 3 years from this date.  You may now download a copy of the Licensing Policy 2011 here. 

The main licensing objectives

The district council will need to have regard for the four main licensing objectives. These are: 

• Prevention of crime and disorder 
• Public safety 
• Prevention of public nuisance 
• Protection of children from harm

The council has to grant licences unless it conflicts with one of the four objectives. The act allows more freedom for pubs and clubs to have longer opening hours but also allows more involvement of local communities and businesses in the granting of licences particularly on the issues of crime and disorder. The act addresses the problems of public safety, the prevention of nuisance and the protection of children from harm by stating these must be actively promoted by the local authority, the Police and people applying for licences.

Applying for licences

Click here to apply for a licence.

Useful links

Fire Safety Advice - www.glosfire.gov.uk

For more information contact the licensing section on 01594 812402 or email licensing@fdean.gov.uk