Frequently Asked Questions: Licences and street trading

Not necessarily. The Act will lead to flexible, rather than uniform, closing times and allow for the possibility of premises to remain open for up to 24 hours. The actual hours of operation will vary from venue to venue depending on the operator's wishes and the consideration of the views of people affected, for example, local residents and businesses. As part of their application for a premises licence, applicants are required to submit an operating schedule to the licensing authority, which will include the proposed hours of operation. If no relevant representations are made in relation to the application, the licensing authority must grant the application. In practice this will mean that, unless relevant representations are made, the operating hours included in the licence will be those requested by the applicant. If, on the other hand, relevant representations are made, the licensing authority has discretion on the matter. In determining what opening hours to include in the premises licence, the licensing authority will take into account the relevant representations and will reach its decision on what is necessary with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.