LAP Response to DCMS Consultation on Deregulating Schedule One of Licensing Act 2003 (Relating to Regulated Entertainment)
Date posted: Monday December 5, 2011 : Permanent Link
The DCMS consultation has now closed. The LAP’s response can be found here: Response of LAP.doc
The DCMS will now consider the responses and publish a summary and analysis of the responses on its website www.culture.gov.uk in due course. It will then publish the Government’s response.
The LAP also responded to the Institute of Licensing’s request for views on the proposals. The views of its members have informed the Institute’s own response to the consultation which can be viewed here: IOL response.pdf
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Residents Successfully Oppose Extension of Hours for Bar
Date posted: Friday October 7, 2011 : Permanent Link
The Project recently acted for residents in Soho in successfully opposing an application by a well known bar chain to extend the hours for one of its premises. Residents were able to demonstrate that existing problems with the operation of the premises already caused a significant degree of public nuisance, and that any proposals to extend the hours would inevitably result in more disturbance later at night.
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Music to Your Ears?
Date posted: Friday October 7, 2011 : Permanent Link
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is proposing a reform of activities currently classed as “regulated entertainment” in Schedule One of the 2003 Act so that in certain circumstances a licence would not be required to eg host a performance of a play, an exhibition of a film, an indoor sporting event, a performance of live music, any playing of recorded music, or a performance of dance. Currently a licence is required, which can be subject to conditions about timings, noise levels, keeping windows closed etc. For more information see here: DCMS article.doc
If any residents would like to discuss the consultation further, please contact Richard Brown on 020 8964 9704 or by email at licensing@westminstercab.org.uk
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill Becomes Law
Date posted: Friday October 7, 2011 : Permanent Link
Royal Assent was given on September 15th. It was hailed by the Policing Minister, Nick Herbert as ‘a landmark in the government’s agenda to decentralise control and return power to the people.’
The licensing provisions of the Act insert amendments into Licensing Act 2003 and are ostensibly aimed at re-balancing the Licensing regime in favour of local residents. Important provisions include the removal of the ‘vicinity test’ for local residents, changes to temporary permissions allowing Environmental Health to object on public nuisance grounds, and lowering the evidential burden for residents at Sub-Committee hearings. Time will tell whether it will fulfil this aim- and it could be some considerable time.
The substance of many of the proposals remains to be revealed by secondary legislation and Government Guidance. The Home Office has confirmed that ‘None of the alcohol provisions in the Act came into force immediately upon Royal Assent. The PRSR Act includes a commencement provision for the Government to commence any or all of the provisions when it so chooses.’ (my emphasis). Thus, we are still somewhat in the dark about which provisions will come into force, when. Some may never see the light of day.
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Change of Address for Representations
Date posted: Friday October 7, 2011 : Permanent Link
The email and postal addresses for representation on licensing applications have recently changed. The email address is now premiseslicensing@westminster.gov.uk
The postal address is: Licensing Applications, Westminster City Council, 4th Floor (West) 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP. The old addresses are being phased out.
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
LAP response to Westminster City Council's consultation on its Statement of Licensing Policy
Date posted: Wednesday September 15, 2010 : Permanent Link
The LAP’s response can be found here: Licensing_Policy_Review_Questionnaire_2010.doc
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Rebalancing the Licensing Act: A consultation on empowering local residents to shape and determine local licensing
Date posted: Wednesday September 15, 2010 : Permanent Link
The LAP’s response can be found here: response_of_LAP.doc
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
Licensing Sub-Committee hearings
Date posted: Friday July 30, 2010 : Permanent Link
Further to the news update on 25 May, residents should note that Licensing Sub-Committee hearings will take place at City Hall, Victoria Street, not Westminster Council House, until November 2010.
Posted by: Admin : View the News Archive
