What are the Licensing Objectives?
The Licensing Objectives defined by the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales are as follows:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
These objectives underpin how local authorities grant or refuse licenses for alcohol, gambling and entertainment. Applicants must demonstrate how their premises meets these standards.
Each of the four objectives are of equal importance:
1) The prevention of crime and disorder
When considering an application for a new Premises Licence, local authorities will consider whether the operating schedule contains conditions that promote the prevention of crime and disorder. These include:
- Conditions to maintain CCTV systems
- Requirements that security guards be employed at certain times.
- Requirements to search patrons on entry
Licensing authorities are advised to look to the Police as their main source of advice on crime and disorder issues.
2) Public Safety
Premises licence holders have a responsibility to ensure the safety of people using their premises. Conditions in operating schedules that address the promotion of public safety can include:
- Restrictions on flashing or bright lights
- Safe capacity levels
- Means of escape
3) The prevention of public nuisance
Of all of the objectives, the prevention of public nuisance is probably the broadest and can encompass the largest number of issues. Nuisance can refer to:
- Excessive noise or vibrations
- Smells or cooking odours
- Light pollution
- Litter and its collection
- Plant and machinery
Licensing authorities are advised to focus on the effect of activities at the specific premises on people living and working in the area around those premises.
Any conditions designed to promote the prevention of public nuisance should be tailored to the type, nature and characteristics of the specific premises and the activities it wishes to undertake. Conditions in operating schedules that address the prevention of public nuisance can include:
- Requirements that sound limiters be fitted to music systems
- Limits on the times entertainment can take place
- Requirements to sweep and clean outside areas
- Restrictions on deliveries and waste collection
- Special conditions for outside areas
4) The protection of children from harm
Although the focus in most cases is on protecting under 18s from alcohol, there is now a very broad responsibility on Premises Licence holders to protect children from physical and psychological harm in many different ways. Examples of relevant conditions can be:
- Restrictions on the hours when children may be present on the premises
- Restrictions or exclusions of children under certain ages.
- Requirements for an accompanying adult in some circumstances
These objectives underpin almost every single part of the Act and are of great significance to you if you are involved in licensable activity.
If you apply for a new Premises Licence, your application will be expected to demonstrate how the operation of your premises will promote the licensing objectives.
If you find yourself before a licensing sub-committee because your licence is under review, this is likely due to allegations that in some way, your operation is undermining these objectives.
How we can help you meet the Licensing Objectives
At TV Edwards, we have many years of experience in successfully obtaining new licences or varying existing ones. After outlining your plans to us, we will be able to advise you on the sort of conditions the police and local authority will be looking for in the circumstances of your particular case.
Generally, premises licence holders prefer to operate as flexibly as they can, and do not want to be tied down by excessive and sometimes costly conditions.
At the same time, applicants need local authorities to take their applications seriously and be persuaded that the operation has been properly risk assessed in order that the licensing objectives will be promoted.
Often, this comes down to a balancing act between the conflicting wishes of the applicant and the local authority or police. Our experts at TV Edwards can help steer the application through the process in the way that suits you best.
We are skilled negotiators and can help you obtain the licence you need, allowing your business to operate as planned.
TV Edwards’s licensing team are our secret weapon on so many of our projects. Julian and his team make it effortless to jump through the hoops, tick all the boxes and get our licences in place with ease!
Jack Bryant – JBP Promotion
Our recent Licensing cases
We have recently helped the following establishments obtain new premises licenses by adhering to the Licensing Objectives:
- Restaurant Hackney Wick
- Café Restaurant Fulham
- Office Bar Chiswick
- Roof-top bar London Bridge
- Event space Spitalfields
- Restaurant London Fields
- Restaurant Brick Lane
- Alcohol Delivery Service Bow
- Take Away Sheffield
- Take Away Birmingham
- Take away Shoreditch
- Boxing Event Oxford
- Office and Event space Lambeth
- Drive-in Cinema Ealing
- Roof Top Bar Brixton
Our Licensing Fees
Our Licensing fees vary depending on the complexity of each case. Every case is different. Some applications will be very straightforward whilst others might be extremely complex.
Factors will include:
- Whether the licence sought is for premises in a cumulative impact zone
- Whether the application deviates from local authority policies
- Whether local objections are anticipated
- How novel or unusual the application is
Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate of fees for your case, or read more about our licensing fees here.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – reliably ranked high in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Provide immediate emergency support – get in touch with an expert now on 0203 440 8000
- Hardworking problem-solvers – our experts fearlessly challenge evidence, safeguarding your interests at every turn
- Specialists in representation – our teams have decades of experience obtaining licenses from local authorities
- Honest and down-to-earth – we’ll always explain your options compassionately, in plain English
Client Testimonials
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Related Licensing Services
Licensing Objectives FAQs
What are the 4 objectives of the Licensing Act 2003?
The four objectives are as follows:
- 1 – The prevention of crime and disorder
- 2 – Public safety
- 3 – The prevention of public nuisance
- 4 – The protection of children from harm
If you’re looking to obtain a premises license, you’ll need to demonstrate your adherence to these objectives.
What is the Licensing Act 2003?
The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the provision of evening entertainment, the sale of alcohol and the sale and supply of late-night refreshment. The four Licensing Objectives were defined by this legislation.
