The biggest shake-up in licensing law since the introduction of permitted hours in the First World War came into effect on 24th November 2005 when the Licensing Act 2003 was implemented.

The Licensing Act 2003 introduced significant changes to the licensing laws in England and Wales, regulating the retail sale of alcohol, the supply of alcohol in a club, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment.

Role of the Licensing Authority
The issuing/granting of licences for all licensable activities (as below) is the responsibility of South Hams District Council acting as the Licensing Authority.

Licensable Activities
•The sale by retail of alcohol
•The supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or to the order of, a member of the club
•The provision of regulated entertainment
•The provision of late night refreshment

The Licensing Objectives

The purpose of the legislation is to provide a clear focus on the promotion of four objectives which must now form the central purpose when the licensing functions are carried out. They are:

The prevention of crime and disorder Public safety The prevention of public nuisance The protection of children from harm

Through the legislation it is hoped that local people and visitors to this country will have better opportunities to enjoy their leisure time safely and without fear of violence, intimidation or disorder while on, or arriving at or leaving licensed premises. In addition, the Government have given their protection of local residents whose lives can be blighted by disturbance and anti-social behaviour. It is also intended to provide a much greater scope for the further development within the communities of our rich culture of live music, dancing and theatre both in rural areas and in towns and cities.

Licensing Policy

Between the 6th September 2004 and the 1st November 2004 the Council consulted widely with licensees, residents and other key stakeholders who gave their views on a licensing policy for the South Hams. These views were taken into consideration and the first licensing policy was agreed by full Council on 16th December 2004 in light of these views.The Policy was reviewed again in 2007 following the same procedure and the latest Policy was approved by Council on 15th November 2007.

View the Licensing Policy

Guidance on meeting the licensing objectives

Application forms to download
More forms can be found by clicking on the relevant link on the left hand side (see above).

Personal Licence application

Personal Licence application form  (Please ensure the declaration below is submitted with your application for a personal licence).

Personal Licence declaration

Personal Licence - change of address form

Transfer of Premises Licence application

Transfer of premises licence application form

Consent of premises licence holder to transfer

Change of Premises Supervisor application

Change of DPS application form

Consent to be DPS

Temporary Event Notice

Temporary Event Notice  Note: To complete this form using your computer you are advised to have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 8 or above installed in order to save the form and access the help notes.  Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe website.

Notification of intent to provide gaming machines (alcohol licensed premises only)

Gaming Machines permit application form

Licence application forms can also be downloaded from the department of culture, media and sport website

Contact Number: 01803 861234 Email: licensing@southhams.gov.uk

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