REPRESENTATIONS – Interested Parties

What is a representation?

A representation can be a concern or an objection to an application made to the licensing authority. It must be made in writing and it must be relevant.

What is a relevant representation?

• To be considered as a relevant objection it must relate to the promotion of the four licensing objectives which are
• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm
• The representation must not be frivolous, repetitious or vexatious.

Who can make representations?

Interested parties can make representations about applications to new premises licences, new club premises certificates or to applications to vary existing premise licences or club premises certificates.

Who are interested parties?

They can be a person living in the vicinity of the premises, a body representing persons who live in the vicinity of the premises, a person involved in a business in the vicinity of the premises or a body representing such persons.

When can a representation be made?

There is a period of 28 days, starting the day after an application is made within which a representation can be made. Representations can be made at other times to trigger a review of the licence should there be problems with the premises, once the licence has come into force.

How will someone know if an application has been made?

Notices of applications must appear in a local newspaper in the 10 days following the day the application is made. A Notice must also be posted on the premises for the 28 day period, starting the day after the application is made. The Notice must be placed on the outside of the building where it can be conveniently read.

What will happen when a representation is made?

Any relevant representation made will be put to the applicant in the first instance to allow them to amend their application if they wish. Any application with representations that have not been resolved or withdrawn must be put before a sub-committee of the Licensing Authority at a public hearing before a decision regarding the application can be made. The hearing must take place within 20 working days starting the day after the day the period for representations closes. Any party making a relevant representation will receive 10 working days notice of a hearing.

What happens at the hearing?

Any interested party who has made a relevant representation may attend the hearing or be assisted or represented by someone else. The representation will be included in the papers prepared for the sub-committee and will become a public document. The interested party or their representative will be allowed to speak at the committee, but must confine themselves to the matters in the representation unless all parties at the hearing agree for any further information to be included.