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Licensing law in Littlehampton is administered mainly by Arun District Council, which acts as the local licensing authority. It covers premises selling alcohol, regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, gambling, taxis and private hire vehicles.
A restaurant, pub, hotel, shop, nightclub or event organiser may need a premises licence, a club premises certificate or a Temporary Event Notice. The application can involve operating schedules, plans, public notices, responsible authorities and possible objections from local residents.
Arun District Council considers applications against its licensing policy and the statutory licensing objectives. These include preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.
Licensing Act 2003: This is the main legislation for alcohol, regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment. It came fully into force on 24 November 2005 and provides for premises licences, personal licences, club premises certificates, Temporary Event Notices and licence reviews.
Gambling Act 2005: This regulates activities such as betting, gaming machines, bingo and casinos. Most licensing provisions came into force on 1 September 2007, with the Gambling Commission and local licensing authorities sharing responsibilities.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976: Arun District Council uses this legislation, alongside other relevant provisions, for aspects of hackney carriage and private hire licensing. Local policy, vehicle standards and driver conditions can affect applications and enforcement.
It usually needs a premises licence if it sells alcohol or provides regulated entertainment. It may also need authorisation for hot food or drink supplied between 11pm and 5am, unless an exemption applies.
Alcohol sales normally require authorisation, but genuinely private arrangements may fall outside the licensing regime where there is no sale or other licensable activity. A Temporary Event Notice may be suitable for a small, short event, subject to statutory limits and notice requirements.
A standard application has a 28-day representation period after the required application steps and public notice are completed. If relevant objections remain, Arun District Council may arrange a hearing, which can extend the process.
A Temporary Event Notice is a notification used for certain temporary events involving alcohol, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment. It is subject to limits on event duration, attendance and annual use, and the police or environmental health authority can object.
A relevant representation can lead to a hearing before Arun District Council's licensing sub-committee. The committee may grant the application, impose conditions, modify hours or activities, or refuse it.
Yes. A solicitor or licensing barrister can present submissions, address objections, test evidence where appropriate and propose workable conditions. The applicant normally remains responsible for giving instructions and evidence.
A review examines whether a premises is undermining one or more licensing objectives. After considering representations, the licensing sub-committee may take no action, add conditions, change hours, suspend the licence or revoke it.
Fees depend on the work, urgency, evidence, hearing length and whether an appeal is needed. Ask for a written estimate separating application preparation, correspondence, advocacy and disbursements; council application fees are separate and generally set by legislation.
A premises selling alcohol generally needs a designated premises supervisor who holds a personal licence, subject to the Licensing Act 2003 requirements. Applicants must meet statutory eligibility requirements, including relevant criminal conviction rules and an accredited licensing qualification in most cases.
There is generally a right of appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days of notification of the decision. The appeal process is technical, so prompt advice is important, particularly where a licence has been suspended or revoked.
Arun District Council is the licensing authority for taxis and private hire vehicles in its district. Driver, operator and vehicle applications can involve local policies, safeguarding checks, medical standards, knowledge requirements and enforcement decisions.
No lawyer can guarantee approval because the authority must apply statutory requirements and consider relevant objections. Good preparation can identify missing documents, address licensing objectives and present proportionate conditions.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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