Commentary on Parts Part 9 – Miscellaneous and General Section 126 – Vessels, vehicles and moveable structures
256.“Premises” for the purposes of the Act includes vessels, vehicles and other moveable structures. In the case of vessels, this section effectively provides for the “home port” of the vessel to be treated as the place where it is situated. That means, for example, that it will be the Licensing Board for that port that would have jurisdiction to grant a licence for the vessel.
257.In the case of vehicles and other moveable structures, the effect of this section is that, where alcohol is to be sold on or from the vehicle etc. while it is parked somewhere, a separate licence will be needed for each such place.
258.This section also makes special provision for the licensing of moving vehicles and other moveable structures. Subsection (5) sets out which Licensing Board will be responsible for licensing such premises. Subsection (6) exempts moving premises from certain requirements of the Act which are only necessary for buildings: notification to neighbours, the community council and the fire authority, requirement to provide certificates relating to planning, building control and food hygiene.
259.In addition, vessels are exempted from the requirements to notify neighbours and the fire authority, and to provide certificates relating to planning, building control and food hygiene.