Making a representation to a premises licence application

If you make representations then you will be required to give notice to the licensing authority at least 5 working days before the start of the hearing, stating:

• whether you will attend the hearing in person

• whether you will be represented by someone else (e.g. councillor/MP/lawyer)

• whether you think that a hearing is unnecessary (if, for example you have come to an agreement before the formal hearing)

• if you want another person to appear at the hearing (not to represent you), and request for permission for the person to attend, and details of their name and how they may be able to assist the authority in relation to the application

You must let us know as soon as possible (by a notice no later than 24 hours before the start of a hearing, or orally at the hearing) if you wish to withdraw their representation.

Hearings will generally be held in public, unless we decide it is in the public interest to hold all, or part of the hearing in private. We will ensure that a record is taken of the hearing.

Hearings will normally take the form of a discussion and will be led by us, which will consist of 3 local authority elected councillors (this will be the licensing sub-committee drawn from a full licensing committee of 10-15 councillors).

We will explain the procedure to be followed. We will determine any request for additional persons to appear at the hearing. We will consider evidence produced in support before the hearing and can consider evidence produced by a party at the hearing, but only if all parties agree.

Further evidence can also be produced if this was sought for clarification of an issue by us before the hearing. Cross-examination of one party by another during a hearing is not allowed, unless we think it necessary.

The parties are entitled to address us and will be allowed equal time to address the authority and, if they have been given permission by us to do so, they will be given equal time to ask any questions of any other party. We will disregard any information we consider to be irrelevant.

Please note: a hearing can still go ahead in the absence of any party (e.g. an applicant or interested party).