Personal Alcohol License And The Local Variations Involved

By Author: Ian Simpson
Total Articles: 5
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Personal Alcohol License

The alcohol licensing laws of United Kingdom regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol for England. Throughout the United Kingdom, sale of alcohol is restricted to pubs, restaurants, shops and other premises are licensed by the local authorities. Personal Alcohol License is divided into two parts; Premises licence is a licence which prescribes the time and condition under which alcohol can be sold and Personal licence is one which allows individuals to sell alcohol. Every premises licence must name a designated premises supervisor who must hold a personal licence. Age at which people are legally allowed to purchase alcohol is 18 years.

Permitted Hours:

The time permitted to serve alcohol in a day is only till 23.00 hours. Only a holder who holds 24 hour licence can serve alcohol in his freedom throughout the day.

Licensable Activity

Licensing activity defines licensable activity as;

• Retail sale of alcohol
• Supply of alcohol in clubs
• Provision of late night refreshment
• Provision of regulated environment

Regulated environment ...
... is defined as;

• Performance of a play
• Exhibition of a film
• Indoor sporting activity
• Boxing or wrestling environment
• Performance of live music
• Playing recorded music
• Performance of dance
• Entertainments of similar description stated above

Licensing Objectives

Prevention of crime and disorder

1. Public safety
2. Prevention of public nuisance
3. Protection of children from harm

Personal License

A personal licence applicant has to make an application on passing an examination on known as Award for Personal Licence Holders. This alcohol licensing in Scotland exam is a 40 question multiple choice paper, in which applicant must achieve a score of 28 that is 70%. The applicant must also obtain Basic Disclosure which details unspent convictions.

Upon application, if the applicant has not unspent conviction, the licensing authority will grant a Personal licence, having a validity of 10 years. If convictions are disclosed, licensing authority will send a copy of the application to the local police who can object within ten days. A hearing may also follow.

An applicant must make application in the area where he resides. Any changes after taking the licence must be reported to the licensing authority. Failure to do so will become a criminal offence. Courts can suspend or forfeit the licence is the holder of the licence holder is convicted. In England personal licence is valid for a period of 10 years.

Local Variations

Local authorities have decided to place restrictions on the outdoor drinking. Reading Borough Council is one of the authorities who have banned drinking in certain locations. Open alcohol container ban sets lower threshold than being drunk in certain locations.

Concerns

Reforms from 2005 are intended to reduce binge drinking; reports have claimed that still the situations have not been improved. This has led Parliament to investigate. Department of Culture media and sports conclude a mixed picture of the current situation.

Perceived problems in England have brought in different approaches in Licensing ACT 2005. Most Licensed premises follow challenge 21 which helps under age people from consuming alcohol.