Watford Borough Council

The Licensing Act 2003 covers:

• Sales of alcohol at off-licences, pubs, clubs, restaurants and other venues
• Private members’ clubs
• The sale of hot food and drink (including food and drink purchased from take-aways) between 11pm and 5am
• ‘Regulated entertainment’ including amplified and unamplified music, live bands, discos, nightclubs, karaoke, cinema, theatre, dance performances, indoor sporting events (such as snooker or swimming competitions) and boxing/wrestling.

The council is responsible for issuing licences for all of these activities.

It is illegal to sell alcohol, provide ‘regulated entertainment’ or to provide hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am without the appropriate authorisation from the licensing authority.

All licensing decisions will have to have regard to the four licensing objectives:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of nuisance
• prevention of harm to children

In addition to these, we will have regard to statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State and the council’s statement of licensing policy.

The council is responsible for issuing the following licences:

• Premises Licences
• Club Premises Certificates
• Personal Licences
• Temporary Event Notices

Further information and the application forms are available by clicking the links at the bottom of the page.