This course is suitable for new legal advisors to both Licensing Departments and Committees, as well as Democratic Services officers who intend to service Licensing Committees. It will also be of benefit to Licensing Officers who wish to set their practical knowledge against the legal background. Officers returning after a career break would also find it a useful refresher or update. No prior knowledge of licensing law or procedure is required.
Councils, when acting as a licensing authority, need to ensure that the decisions they make are robust and according to law at all times. This applies equally to decisions made under delegated authority by Officers, and those made by Members.
Licensing law is both complex and varied, some of it modern and some of it antiquated and in need of reform. This course, which will be delivered from the legal standpoint, will cover the full spectrum from scrap metal to zoos, private hire to sex establishments, and alcohol to public entertainment.
The course will deliver a basic legal and practical grounding in all aspects of licensing law and procedure illustrated by reference to the leading cases.
There will be sections on constitutional arrangements, delegations, decision making powers, application processes, reports and recommendations, objections and representations, decision making processes, reasons for decisions, reviews and appeal processes, fees, Members’ interests, natural justice and human rights.
This day will:
LOCAL AUTHORITY POWERS TO ISSUE LICENCES
PROCESSING APPLICATIONS
Included will be comparisons of:
WHO GRANTS/REFUSES THE LICENCE/MAKES DECISIONS
WHEN IS A LICENCE REQUIRED?
REPRESENTATIONS/OBJECTIONS
DECISION MAKING
REVIEWS
APPEALS
