During these unprecedented times, where the situation is changing on a daily basis, we are aware that individuals and business owners will have many questions and uncertainties about how these developments impact on them.
Here, through a series of Q&A with expert lawyers from across our firm, Sintons hopes to be able to answer some of those pressing questions, and provide some certainty and clarity for people who are unsure how to proceed.
We will bring you a question and answer per day for the next few weeks.
Q – I own a bar but have been forced to close. Is there any point in even thinking about any licensing matters for the summer months or shall I just look at that nearer to the time?
A – It’s difficult to be sure when bars, restaurants and cafes will be able to open again at the current time. However, it is sensible to consider any licensing matters that you need to address now rather than leave this until reopening occurs.
Licensing applications are usually subject to several weeks of consultation and, if your proposed changes include the need to submit a planning application, the application process can take several months.
Some matters you might want to consider now are:
- Extended hours for the coming Bank Holiday weekends. These can be obtained by submitting a Temporary Event Notice and require 10 working days’ notice being given to the Licensing Authority. Whilst we may not be out of lockdown for the May Day Bank Holiday it is certainly possible that the late May Bank Holiday will be a busy time for licensed venues and, hopefully, by August life will be more normal
- Pavement cafes. The placing of tables and chairs on the highway requires permission from the Local Authority. What form that takes can vary from council to council, but it usually involves obtaining planning permission for change of use of the highway and a consent from the highways authority. That process can take up to three months to complete following submission so it is definitely worth planning ahead if you want to offer an outside drinking area when your bar reopens.
* For advice on this or any other licensing matters, please contact Sarah Smith, head of licensing at Sintons, on sarah.smith@sintons.co.uk or 0191 226 4897.
