Licensing reforms included in Government’s new VAWG strategy
The UK Government’s 2025 VAWG strategy introduces licensing reforms for taxis, PHVs, and sexual entertainment venues to improve public safety.
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There are a number of licence holder offences under the Licensing Act 2003.
9 June 2015
Insight
Council or Police officers can prosecute persons for any of these offences under the Licensing Act 2003. Cases can be dealt with by way of a formal caution or in the Magistrates Court. The Court may also order the forfeiture of a Personal Licence, or suspend it for up to six months. If you are convicted of an offence, the Police may also raise objections to you holding a Personal Licence, and the Council can hold a hearing to consider whether your Personal Licence should be revoked.
| Offence | Person who commits the offence |
Defence to the charge | Max penalty |
| Failing to notify the Council that you have changed your address | Premises Licence Holder | Reasonable excuse | £500.00 |
| Failing to notify the Council that the Designated Premises Supervisor has changed address (unless they have already notified the council themselves) | Premises Licence Holder | Reasonable excuse | £500.00 |
| Failing to give notice to a person who has or has not been replaced as a Designated Premises Supervisor | Premises Licence Holder | Reasonable excuse | £1000.00 |
| Where the Designated Premises Supervisor has said they wish to be removed from the licence (and is also the holder of the Premises Licence), failing to give their Licence to the Council or explain why he cannot do so | Premises Licence Holder/Designated Premises Supervisor | Reasonable excuse | £1000.00 |
| Failing to tell the Designated Premises Supervisor that a licence or interim authority has been granted Premises Licence Holder/applicant | Premises Licence Holder/Applicant | Reasonable excuse | £1000.00 |
| Failing to tell the Designated Premises Supervisor that an application has been made to transfer the Premises Licence | Premises Licence Holder/Applicant | Reasonable excuse | £1000.00 |
| Failure to produce the Licence at the Council’s request within 14 days in the event of a determination notice, lapse etc. | Premises Licence Holder | Reasonable excuse | £500.00 |
| Failing to keep and display a copy of the Premises Licence, or a summary or it | Premises Licence Holder | Reasonable excuse | £500.00 |
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