Commentary on Parts Part 3 – Premises Licences Section 21 – Notification of application
44.This section places a duty on Licensing Boards to notify those persons specified in subsection (1) (a) to (e) of all applications they receive for premises licences. This is a new duty and a change from what was previously provided for in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976.
45.Licensing Boards must notify the chief constable of all applications for premises licences. Subsection (3) places a duty on the chief constable to respond to the Licensing Board by giving certain notices within a period of 21 days. This procedure is intended to ensure that checks are made for the existence or otherwise of any convictions for relevant or foreign offences that any applicant or those connected with the applicant may have. Section 129 provides for “Relevant offences” to be set out in regulations. “Foreign offences” are offences under the laws of countries other than Scotland which correspond to relevant offences. Section 147(2) sets out who is a “connected person” in relation to a company, partnership or club. This ensures that checks are carried out on the persons in control of these bodies as well as the bodies themselves.
46.Subsection (3) further provides that the chief constable must, within 21 days of notification of a new premises licence application, submit a report to the Licensing Board regarding antisocial behaviour which has taken place on or in the vicinity of the premises and all complaints about such behaviour.