Online - Licensing Basic Survival Guide

Councils, when acting as a licensing authority, need to ensure that any 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 in committee. Licensing law is both complex and varied, some of it modern and some of it antiquated and in need of reform. This course will concentrate on the licensing of taxis (both hackney and private hire) together with alcohol and regulated entertainment.

The course will deliver a basic legal and practical grounding in 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.

The day will be broken down into four interactive sessions, allowing all attendees to engage with the speaker and with each other, share experience, ask questions, and participate in short practical exercises time permitting.

This course, which will be delivered from the legal standpoint, 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 necessary. Some pre-reading will be required to benefit fully from the day, which will be provided to attendees in advance of the course.

This course will:

• Introduce you clearly and concisely to licensing law

• Aid and expand your understanding of licensing law and issues

• Ensure you are aware of key points to watch for in practice

• Compare different types of applications that you will need to process

• Tell you when a licence is necessary and what types there are

• Give you a more detailed understanding and more confident outlook when dealing with licensing matters

• Avoid potential pitfalls by making you aware of recent and leading cases

• Ensure you are in a position to advise on the decision-making process and avoid challenge on the basis of bias on the part of either Officers or Members or legal error.