Most premises (85%) throughout St Edmundsbury needing licences under the Licensing Act 2003 have successfully applied to have them transferred. While the deadline for transfer of licences has passed there is still time for the rest to put in their applications as the Act does not come into force until November 2005.
Putting in a new application, instead of a transfer, involves the same process but there are some additional costs, such as advertising. St Edmundsbury's Licensing Team first made businesses aware of the requirements of the new Act more than 18 months ago and have regularly encouraged them to make their applications in good time. The team is confident that if premises do not leave their applications until the last minute they will be processed in time for there to be no disruption to businesses.
Places which have chosen not to transfer licences, such as schools, can choose to use Temporary Event Notices (TEN) instead which entitles them to apply for up to 12 events a year involving no more than 499 people each time.
Some applications are being rejected because they have not complied in some way with the Act's requirements. Our Licensing Team will be working with these premises, as they have worked with many applicants over the past months, to help them on their new applications so they can have their licences ready for November.
Cllr Frank Warby, Cabinet member for Housing, Health and Crime, said:
"Our Licensing Team has worked exceptionally well to encourage so many businesses to get their applications in on time. I urge those who still have not done so to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can make sure the changeover goes smoothly."
ENDS
ISSUED BY MARIANNE HULLAND, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757034. marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
