The Archive contains articles which are of general interest, or have been the cause of concern in the past and remain unresolved.

THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Residents may not be aware of the implications of the new Licensing Act that became law in 2003. All Licensees, whether the landlords of public houses, private and sports clubs, and community centres, plus retailers holding a license to sell alcohol, will have to renew their licenses under the Act, by 24th November 2005. When doing so, licensees may apply to extend opening hours. Under the new Act, it will be possible for “drinkers” to imbibe during every hour of the day or night. Licensed premises, particularly public houses, may also provide food and entertainment. So, as well having a meal and a drink, customers can also listen to live and recorded music, watch TV and be entertained by solo artists and groups, all as defined within the Act. The Government believes that by liberalising the licensing law it should be possible to reduce the worst excesses of “yob” culture, “binge drinking” and anti-social behaviour, all of which tend to stem largely from abusing alcohol or drugs.

It will not require much imagination to anticipate that in future, at weekends and on public holidays, Rickmansworth High Street may be filled with “revellers” taking advantage of the new and more liberal licensing hours to enjoy themselves. Equally, licensees may want to extend the amenities they offer, as well as extending opening hours. However, one man’s pleasure can become another man’s nightmare!
Hertfordshire Constabulary is very conscious of the potential problems that could arise at “closing time” in future, as some exuberant and high-spirited customers leave the pubs and places of entertainment, often in the silent hours. The police are obliged, under the new Act, to consider objectively the impact of the changes to the law on public safety and crime. Drunken behaviour, noise, the disposal of litter, and the public nuisance aspects of bad behaviour, brought on by the consumption of alcohol, can quickly degenerate into civil disobedience and disorder if not properly controlled. Therefore, the police have to consider every application for a new license and will also have to make recommendations to the Licensing Authority on the suitability of the applicant to be granted a license. Three Rivers District Council is the Licensing Authority for Rickmansworth. The police must also contact residents living near licensed premises, to ensure that the residents are aware of the changes to the law and the citizens’ rights under the Act. The police must provide residents with a form so that residents may represent any concerns they have, or conditions they would like to see imposed on licenses before a license is granted.

When submitting their applications for a new license, applicants will be obliged to outline to the Licensing Authority how they intend to promote the prevention of crime, and preserve good order and public safety, within and adjacent to their premises. Licensees will also be required to display outside of their premises, a notice giving details of the changes they are requesting to the terms of their license. Many licensees are requesting to remain open to sell alcohol between 11am and midnight Sunday to Thursday, and to extend opening hours until 1am the following morning on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, some licensees are applying for further extensions on high days and public holidays. Examples of the further extensions applied for to date include such occasions as Beaujolais Day, national Saints’ Days, Burn’s Night, St Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday. Some public houses also want to sell alcohol during live TV broadcasts of national and international sporting and non-sporting events, at whatever times the events occur. Not content with the foregoing extensions, some licensees wish to be able to entertain their customers to Karaoke and live bands during the periods they are able to sell alcohol.

It is not surprising that local residents are expressing their concerns to the Association.

Cliff Le Quelenec

The views expressed on this website are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the R&DRA Committee as a whole.

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