Licensing Act 2003

[F1 53B Interim steps pending review E+W

(1) This section applies to the consideration by a relevant licensing authority on an application under section 53A whether it is necessary to take interim steps pending the determination of the review applied for.

(2) The consideration may take place without the holder of the premises licence having been given an opportunity to make representations to the relevant licensing authority.

(3) The interim steps the relevant licensing authority must consider taking are—

(a) the modification of the conditions of the premises licence;

(b) the exclusion of the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the licence;

(c) the removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence;

(d) the suspension of the licence.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(a) the conditions of a premises licence are modified if any of them is altered or omitted or any new condition is added.

(5) Where on its consideration of whether to take interim steps the relevant licensing authority does take one or more such steps—

(a) its decision takes effect immediately or as soon after that as that authority directs; but

(b) it must give immediate notice of its decision and of its reasons for making it to—

(i) the holder of the premises licence; and

(ii) the chief officer of police for the police area in which the premises are situated (or for each police area in which they are partly situated).

(6) [F2 Subject to subsection (9A),] If the holder of the premises licence makes, and does not withdraw, representations against any interim steps taken by the relevant licensing authority, the authority must, within 48 hours of the time of its receipt of the representations, hold a hearing to consider those representations.

(7) The relevant licensing authority must give advance notice of the hearing to—

(a) the holder of the premises licence;

(b) the chief officer of police for the police area in which the premises are situated (or for each police area in which they are partly situated).

(8) At the hearing, the relevant licensing authority must—

(a) consider whether the interim steps are [F3 appropriate] for the promotion of the licensing objectives; and

(b) determine whether to withdraw or modify the steps taken.

(9) In considering those matters the relevant licensing authority must have regard to—

(a) the certificate that accompanied the application;

(b) any representations made by the chief officer of police for the police area in which the premises are situated (or for each police area in which they are partly situated); and

(c) any representations made by the holder of the premises licence.

[F4 (9A) Where the relevant licensing authority has determined under subsection (8) whether to withdraw or modify the interim steps taken, the holder of the premises licence may only make further representations under subsection (6) if there has been a material change in circumstances since the authority made its determination.]

(10) In computing the period of 48 hours mentioned in subsection (6) time that is not on a working day is to be disregarded.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 53A-53C and cross-heading inserted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 21, 66(2)(3); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(a)

F2 Words in s. 53B(6) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 136(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 3(b)

F3 Word in s. 53B(8)(a) substituted (25.4.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 109(12), 157(1) (with s. 109(15)); S.I. 2012/1129, art. 2(d)

F4 S. 53B(9A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 136(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 3(b)