Comment on a licence application

When someone applies for a new premises licence, changes an existing licence, or when a licence is under review, there is usually a public consultation period.

During this time, anyone can tell us what they think by making a representation. This can be a comment, objection, concern or statement of support.

You can view current licence applications and variations on our website.

What we will consider

By law, we can only consider comments that relate to one or more of the 4 licensing objectives.

Prevention of crime and disorder

This includes:

• violence or antisocial behaviour
• drug-related concerns
• crime linked to the premises

Public safety

This includes:

• crowd management concerns
• emergency access issues
• safety risks to customers or the public

Prevention of public nuisance

This includes:

• excessive noise
• disturbance from customers arriving or leaving
• litter, odours or other nuisance affecting nearby residents

Protection of children from harm

This includes:

• underage sales concerns
• risks to children from activities at the premises
• exposure to inappropriate behaviour

What we cannot usually consider

We are unable to take into account comments that do not relate to the licensing objectives, such as:

• whether you simply do or do not like the applicant
• commercial competition between businesses
• property values
• moral or political objections to alcohol consumption
• general concerns with no connection to the licensed premises

How to make a representation

Download and complete the form to make a representation.

Your representation must:

• be submitted during the consultation period
• be in writing (email or post)
• include your name and address
• explain clearly how the application may affect one or more of the licensing objectives

Include as much relevant information as possible to help us consider your representation. Where possible, include examples, dates, times, locations or evidence to support your concerns.

If you are unsure whether your concerns are relevant to the licensing process and would like advice, email licensing@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

What happens next

We will check that your representation relates to the licensing objectives before considering it.

If your representation is accepted, the applicant will receive a copy of it. You may be contacted directly by the applicant to discuss your concerns. Your representation may also be included in a public report for a Licensing Committee hearing. We will let you know if a hearing is required.

In some circumstances, personal information may be published as part of the formal licensing process. If you have concerns about your details being made public, contact us before submitting your representation. 

Hearings

If there are still outstanding representations, a Licensing Sub-Committee will consider the application.

The hearing takes place at the Civic Centre and is led by elected councillors who have completed licensing training.

At the hearing, you can:

• attend and speak
• be represented by someone else
• submit supporting information in line with the hearing procedure

If you cannot attend, the Sub-Committee will still consider your written representation.