The Licensing Act 2003 regulates licensable activity consisting of the sale or supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment through licences issued by the Licensing Authority, which for this district is Rochford District Council.
The licensing system is centred around 4 licensing objectives, against which applications are judged:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
The Act defines the types of activities requiring a licence, the type of licence needed for each activity, the procedure for their application and grant including when and how representations can be made, the need to hold hearings and a process by which licences can be reviewed if future problems are experienced.
The Licensing Authority has to keep a register of all applications and must notify anyone who has notified the Authority that they have a legal interest as a freeholder or leaseholder of a property, of any application that is received in respect of that property.
The Authority must publish a Statement of Licensing Policy for each 5-year period with effect from 7 January 2016.
The register and licensing policy can be viewed on the Council's website or upon request at the Council's offices at South Street, Rochford during normal working hours.
Full details of applications received and of licences, permits or registrations issued can be obtained by contacting:
Licensing Unit
Rochford District Council
3-19 South Street
Rochford
SS4 1BW
Tel. 01702 318111