What is the Leisure Industry Expecting from Local

Authorities?Brigid Simmonds

Chief Executive

Business In Sport and Leisure

Local Authorities New Responsibility

• As the Licensing Authority• To put together a policy which is:

– renewable every 3 years– Produced in consultation with police, fire, and

the industry

• To Produce a Licensing Statement• To Set up a Committee – 10-15 members• To pay Attention to National Guidance

Local Authorities New Responsibility

• To Keep a Register of all premises

• To Charge a Fee

• To bear in mind licensing objectives:– The prevention of crime and disorder– Public safety– Prevention of public nuisance– The protection of children from harm

What Will they Regulate?

• The Premise Licence– Applications for– Variations to– Conditions on– Hours of Opening– Activities

• We have Grandfather Rights to what we own and operate now!

What Will They Administer?

• Personal Licence– Take in Applications– Liase with Criminal Records Bureau– Liase with Police– Issue the new licence

• All existing holders of an on and off licence will be granted a new Personal Licence

What Does the Industry have to do?

• Produce an Operating Plan– Simple Document– Not more than 2 pages– Cover 3 separate elements

The Operating Plan

• Information about the Premises – descriptive

• Statement of proposed offer and activities

• Controls/Risk base

Offer to mitigate risks by

• Door Supervisors – town centre, late night• Capacity Limited – over 1500 capacity, anything

with music and dancing?• Access by children• Soundproofing from noise of music and dancing• Music time limited, turned down?• Restaurant Seating only after

12 midnight

Statement of Operation

• May differ from conditions applied– Company policy of no under 21s– Permitted hours applied for longer than that to

be used

• If company does not live up to the statement then action should be taken against them

Conditions

• Must meet with National Guidelines

• Conditions must relate to the premises and not be too general

• Industry against current National Conditions for all premises with PELs – example cinemas

What sort of Local Authority will the Industry Welcome

• Work with your planning department to ensure that you have the right type of premises to suit your needs

• Most urban areas restrict A3 use

• Set up Business Improvement Districts if desirable

• Listen to residents – but no NIMBYism!

A Good Local Authority

• Offer staggered hours to everyone – work with the industry to ensure that you have the right blend of different offers to satisfy different customers– Cinemas Bars– Restaurants Cafes– Pubs Hotels– Nightclubs Sports Clubs

Conditions

• Adhere to National Guidance

• Only put conditions on that are really necessary

• Do not second guess other functions of your authority e.g fire, EHO

Do not see the industry as a big, bad wolf!

• Do not impose blanket bans on opening

• If premises do not cause any trouble, leave them alone!

• Use a light touch

• Take action against premises if they do not comply with the objectives of the Act!

• Work as Partners