Alcohol and entertainment licensing at West Dorset District Council

The Licensing Act 2003 and the associated regulations together with national guidance, sets out the framework within which the licensing authority operates.

The district council as licensing authority is responsible for issuing licences for:

• The sale by retail of alcohol (pubs, restaurants, hotels, off-licences, etc)

• The supply of alcohol to club members

• The provision of late night refreshment (hot food and/or drinks between 11pm and 5am)

• The provision of regulated entertainment (cinema, theatres, music, dancing, etc)

Authorisations for the above activities are given by either a Premises Licence, a Club Premises Certificate or a Temporary Event Notice, issued by the licensing authority. Personal licences which permit individuals to sell alcohol by retail under a Premises Licence are also issued by the licensing authority. In performing this role as licensing authority the district council is discharging its functions under the act, which are:

• Prevention of crime and disorder

• Promotion of public safety

• Prevention of public nuisance

• Protection of children from harm

The licensing functions of West Dorset District Council are undertaken by the Licensing and Appeals Committee consisting of 13 councillors and Licensing Sub-Committees consisting of three members drawn from the committee. Many uncontested licensing functions can however be dealt with by council officers under delegated authority. 

Licensing policy

The council is required to publish a Statement of Licensing Policy 2009-2012 (pdf, 159kb) (opens in a new window)  based on the four principal licensing objectives and this forms the basis for considering licensing applications. The policy is reviewed regularly and there is a period of public consultation before it is formally adopted and published.

Licence types

• Premises Licences - licence for any place

• Club Premises Certificates - licence for members' clubs

• Temporary Event Notices - one-off events when fewer than 499 people will be present

• Personal Licences - A licence for an individual person to enable them to sell or authorise any sale of alcohol

Download Licensing Act application forms for one of these licence types.

Making representations

Applications for a new/variation/review of a premises licence or club premises certificate are open to representation from responsible authorities and any other person for 28 days from the date of receipt of the application.

Bodies such as town and parish councils or chambers of trade may make representations on behalf of residents but the person or business affected must be named as part of the objection. Representations can be either for or against proposals in the application but must be based on one or more of the licensing objectives which are: The prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Applicants and objectors are invited to contact the licensing team if assistance is required with submitting applications or making representations.

• Name: Licensing team - alcohol and entertainment (West Dorset)
  Email: licensing@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252214
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for Licensing team - alcohol and entertainment (West Dorset)