Objecting to licence applications

Residents and businesses are able to comment on some licence applications that we receive.

You may wish to contact the licensing team first to discuss any concerns you may have about an application, where we can provide advice on your options.

If you wish to formally object to an application, then any objection must be in writing and be received before the relevant consultation period ends. You must include your name and address and detailed reasons for your objection.

Details of applications, including the deadline for comments, can be found on our current and pending licence applications page.

Objections may only be made on the grounds below:

Types of applications and grounds for objections

Type of application

Grounds for objection

Alcohol, entertainment and late night take-away licences under the Licensing Act 2003

  • crime and disorder
  • public safety
  • public nuisance
  • poses harm to children

Gambling and betting under the Gambling Act 2005

  • crime and disorder
  • gambling isn’t fair and open
  • poses harm to children and vulnerable people

Pavement licences

  • public safety
  • crime and disorder
  • highway obstruction
  • nuisance

Street trading

  • highway obstruction
  • nuisance

Sex establishments

  • the applicant is unsuitable
  • the location is unsuitable

Objections on any other grounds, or which are frivolous or vexatious, will be rejected.

Objections are shared with applicants. With the exception of objections against sex establishments, names and addresses will be disclosed.

Objections against Licensing Act, Gambling Act or sex establishment applications, may result in the matter going to a public hearing.

You can attend the hearing and put forward your objection in person, or be represented.

If you have objected to a licence and are not happy with the decision, you will be notified about your specific rights of appeal, as your ability to appeal and the timescale for making an appeal varies between different types of licences.

For further information, use our online contact form or tel: 01923 278476.

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