The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 will give members of the public more involvement in their local community through greater rights to comment on licensing applications and through Local Licensing Forums.
Making representations or objections
The new Act means that any person by notice to the Licensing Board can object to an application and also make representations, including statements of support, to the Board concerning a licensing application.
It is also possible at any time for a person/persons to seek a review of an existing premises licence.
The Chief Constable may object to an application for a premises licence but only on the grounds that they have reason to believe that the applicant (or connected person(s)), is involved in serious organised crime.
A person can also make representation if they were not satisfied with a condition of licence set by the Licensing Board or may wish to make representation to request a modification of an operating plan.
Neighbour notification
Under the new licensing system the statutory notification procedure will be the responsibility of Licensing Boards.
Local Licensing Forums
All councils are required to establish a Local Licensing Forum for their area. The council may, instead of establishing just one Local Licensing Forum for their area, establish separate Forums for each division. More>>