Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshments

On 24 November, 2005 the Licensing Act, 2003 came into force. This Act transferred responsibility for the issue and control of liquor licences from the Magistrates Court to the Local Authority and brought together six different licensing regimes under a single system.

The Act covers a range of 'licensable activities’ including the supply of alcohol by retail, the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment (between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Licences are required for the following types of premises (including land) or events:

• Pubs and nightclubs

• Restaurants/cafes that serve alcohol and/or food after 11 p.m.

• Takeaways/mobile vans providing food after 11 p.m.

• Hotels, guest houses, holiday parks that sell alcohol

• Private members clubs and social clubs

• Cinemas and theatres

• Off licences

• Indoor sporting events

• Certain musical entertainment (live or recorded music and dancing)

• Occasional events (where alcohol and/or entertainment is provided)

Statement of Licensing Policy

Under the Licensing Act, 2003, each Licensing Authority is required to prepare and publish a statement of its licensing policy. The statement of Licensing Policy was agreed by the Council in November, 2004 and sets out the general policies that the Licensing Authority will apply when granting licences. It was produced following consultation with existing licence holders, businesses, residents and 'responsible authorities’. It is based on the four licensing objectives which are:

• Prevention of crime and disorder

• Promoting public safety

• Prevention of public nuisance

• Protection of children from harm

Download a copy of our  Statement of Licensing Policy (270Kb)

The New Licences

There are four main types of licences:

• Premises licences

• Personal licences

• Temporary event notices

• Club premises licences

For additional information and advice, contact the Licencing team, details above.

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