Commentary on Parts Part 3 – Premises Licences Section 20 – Application for premises licence
41.Under subsection (1) any person, which includes corporate and unincorporated bodies and statutory bodies as well as individuals, can apply for a premises licence. However, if an individual wants a licence, he or she will need to be 18 or over. Under subsection (2) the application for a premises licence must be accompanied by a draft of the applicant’s proposed operating plan and a layout plan for the premises. These plans will provide Licensing Boards and local communities with a clear indication at the time of the licence application of what activities will be undertaken on the premises. Applications will also have to be accompanied by certain certificates relating to planning, building control and food hygiene (see section 50 of the Act).
42.Subsection (4) provides for the form and content of operating plans to be set out in regulations. However, this subsection lists a number of specific requirements as to the content of operating plans, including the proposed opening hours, any other activities in addition to the sale of alcohol and the position with regards to allowing the entry of children to a licensed premises.
43.Subsection (5) clarifies that premises may sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises and that the times during which alcohol is to be sold nay differ between the two.