The Responsible Authorities consist of the police and a mixture of central and local government departments.
Need representation with the Responsible Authorities? Contact us now.
Are you applying for a new licence, or needing representation to deal with your local Responsible Authorities? A mishandled case can mean the difference between the granting or refusal of a licence. Get in touch with our experts now, who can:
- Advise you on your licence application
- Speak with the Responsible Authorities on your behalf
- Represent your full case to the relevant Responsible Authorities
Who are the Responsible Authorities?
The Responsible Authorities consist of designated government bodies that must be notified of applications for new premises license applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2003. They consist of:
- The local police force
- The local fire service & rescue authority
- The Licensing Authority for the local area
- The local planning authority
- The local children safeguarding board
- The local environmental/public health department
- HM Revenue & Customs
- Trading Standards
- The Home Office
- The Gambling Commission
Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Responsible Authorities have a key role to play in the granting and review of Premises Licenses and the granting of Temporary Events Notices.
Responsible Authorities are usually automatically notified of all new applications for a premises licence. They’re often the first to make representations or objections to the granting of a new licence. They are often the first bodies to instigate review proceedings against licence holders.
Responsible Authorities are experts in their respective fields, and are able to make representations about applications with regards to any of the licensing objectives if they have evidence to support those representations. Local authorities and their licensing subcommittees rely heavily on the responsible authorities for their advice and expertise.
Dealing with Responsible Authorities
Dealing with responsible authorities can be a daunting prospect for an applicant or an existing licence holder.
In some local authorities, the different departments do not communicate well with each other, which can give rise to confusion or delay. They are powerful entities with the power to hinder your application or request that your licence be revoked.
Thankfully, the Licensing team at TV Edwards are on hand to help you. Having worked closely with many local authorities over the years, we have developed strong professional connections with the individuals involved.
This empowers us to represent cases for our clients efficiently and effectively, and to fight their corner when needed. We can successfully negotiate with the different Responsible Authorities and get them speaking to each other.
How our Licensing Solicitors can help
Our experts know what each department likes to see in applications, and also the sorts of things that flag concerns for them. Our solicitors are skilled negotiators who can build an agreement on licence conditions, enabling our clients to operate in the way that they want to.
TV Edwards have provided us with an exemplary service in acquiring premises licences for a number of our workspaces. They are communicative, transparent and highly effective and I would recommend their services to any similar business.
Steve Morrin, Managing Director – Sustainable Workspaces
Recent cases
We recently represented a shisha lounge and restaurant which had attracted the interest of three different local authority departments, complaints from local residents and the police.
By taking proactive steps, we identified the concerns and moved swiftly to resolve them. We facilitated good lines of communication between the different departments and moved them towards a satisfactory negotiated resolution for our client.
Our Licensing Fees
Our Licensing fees vary depending on the complexity of each case. Some applications will be very straightforward, others complex. Complex application types include:
- Applications for premises in a cumulative impact zone
- Applications that deviate from local authority policies
- Applications where local objections are anticipated
- Applications with unusual or novel elements
Learn more about our Licensing fees here, or contact us today for a no-obligation estimate of our fees in your case.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- We are highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- We provide immediate emergency support – call us now on 0203 440 8000
- We are representation specialists – decades of experience dealing with all types of Responsible Authority
- We’re hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests at every turn
- We’re honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately, in plain English
Client Testimonials
Related Licensing Services
Responsible Authorities FAQs
Who are the Responsible Authorities?
The Responsible Authorities are a series of local and national government bodies that all have a say in premises license applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2003. They consist of the police, fire services, local planning department, public health department, HM Revenue & Customs, the Home Office and more.
What do the Responsible Authorities Do?
The Responsible Authorities monitor and review license applications, such as alcohol, gambling and entertainment. Their chief concerns are public safety, compliance with local laws and regulations and crime prevention. They can object to applications and propose license reviews.
How does the licence application process work?
When you make an application for a new license, the Responsible Authorities are automatically notified. This makes it vital to ensure your application is in good shape before it is made, which can help reduce roadblocks to your application being granted.
