Most people know that there has been a change in the Licensing Laws which, in principle, can lead to 24 hour opening. However, what most people do not know is that the Licensing is now dealt with by the Local Authority (District or County Council) and not the magistrates Courts as before.
This change in procedure is meant to make it easier to submit applications and vary the permitted hours and license activites, but many councils are facing a backlog as pubs and clubs apply to change their existing licences.
The new licensing is supposed to be simpler, however this is still a specialised area of law. We are currently acting in the sale and purchase of a number of licensed premises ranging from the sale of a franchise off-licence to the purchase of a £3.1m hotel. We are also acting on the purchase of a hotel in Blackpool (the third we have dealt with) and the sale of pubs both tied and independent.
The licensing Laws for alcohol sales are now linked also with music, dancing and the sale of food on premises so it is not simply the alcohol sales that are affected by the new law.
Failure to submit the right application or to operate without a licence can seriously affect the value if the business and could lead to prosecution.
For advice call David Heys on 0116 212 1027.
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