2 February, 2005

Pubs, clubs, parish councils, take-aways, scouts, guides and a whole range of other community groups and charities, are being reminded that they may not be able to run their usual events unless they get the correct licence following recent changes to licensing laws.

The new Licensing Act 2003 will change the way that licenses will be given to sell alcohol and late night refreshments as well as providing public entertainment facilities. It means there will be a single system for licensing and St Edmundsbury Borough Council will be responsible for dealing with licensing functions for different activities.

Organisations that carry out any of the following activities may be affected by the new laws:

• Retail sale and supply of alcohol (including occasional licences and permissions);
• Performance of a play;
• Exhibition of a film;
• Indoor sporting events;
• Boxing or wrestling events;
• Performing live music;
• Dancing;
• Providing facilities for making music or dancing; and
• Supplying hot food or drink after 11pm until 5am.

To find out how these changes could affect your events or for advice on whether you need to convert your existing licence(s), such as Late Night Refreshment, Club Registration or Theatre Licence, to a new licence please call the Licensing Team on 01284 757103, or e-mail licensing@stedsbc.gov.uk.

A copy of the Licensing Statement of Policy can be found on the Council’s website at

www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk (under A Fine Place to Live/Licensing and Hiring/Licensing Act 2003) or at public libraries and council offices in the Borough.   Alternatively, a printed copy will be sent on request.

ENDS

ISSUED BY MARIA STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. maria.staff@stedsbc.gov.uk