Specialising in two decades of knowledge in the hospitality industry
Debbie Bollard, a licensing specialist, is the owner of Hough & Bollard a consultancy providing alcohol licensing services and advice to the hospitality and retail sectors. With nearly twenty years’ experience in the alcohol licensing industry, including as a licensing law solicitor. Debbie has extensive experience of dealing with the day-to-day licensing requirements of firms; advising on how to apply for licences successfully and helping to take the strain out of obtaining and maintaining your business licences.
Providing alcohol licensing advice – from pubs, clubs and restaurants to off licences
Debbie Bollard has been acting for clients in the hospitality and retail sectors since the changes to the licensing laws in 2005. Hough & Bollard works with a variety of clients including pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and retailers.
What is the law on Alchohol Licensing?
Cost-effective, high-quality services for small, independent businesses across the country
Hough & Bollard understands that not all businesses can afford city prices but strive to deliver the same bespoke service for the independent business owners. Hough & Bollard's focus is on achieving a successful outcome for clients; key strengths are pragmatism and hard work to deliver clear, practical and competent alcohol licensing advice and services.
Hough & Bollard's licencing Services, take the complexity out of the alcohol license process
Hough & Bollard offers a unique licensing service to the hospitality and retail sectors, guiding clients through the various application processes. It also provides ongoing support after a licence has been granted including in the unfortunate event that a licence is reviewed or subject to any other enforcement action. Services include:
- Premises Licence applications
- Club Premises Certificate applications
- Temporary Event Notices
- Permits & Notices for gaming machines in pubs and clubs
- Personal Licences
- Advice on enforcement issues
About Alcohol Licensing Law in the UK
The Licensing Act 2003 is the keystone of the alcohol licensing laws in the England and Wales and regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment creating a single licence issued by the local authorities. Any business that offers the sale or supply of alcohol, and the provision of regulated entertainment or late night refreshments in England and Wales will need to hold an appropriate Licence or Permit. Without the correct authorisation, any business offering the sale or supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment or late night refreshments may be committing a criminal offence which can result in prosecution.
Applying for a Premises Licence
- Licences for pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants
- Off licence for retail
- Club certificate for members clubs
- Issued by local authorities
- Approximately one month to issue
Getting a Premises Licence is not necessarily straight forward, particularly where licensing authorities have identified local concerns and risks to the licensing objectives. Errors in the preparation of an application can lead to long delays if the application is rejected or referred to a Licensing Committee hearing. In some cases the result can be that a licence is granted but with conditions attached that prevent the business operating effectively. Hough & Bollard understand the pressures of a business and the effects of delays in opening or while rent, rates and wages still have to be paid, or conditions that. We also understand the devastating effect that onerous conditions can have on the profitability of a business.
Hough & Bollard will guide you through the process of applying to your local authority for a Premises Licence to serve alcohol, provide regulated entertainment or late night refreshments. If you decide that you want to change the layout or your opening hours we can help you apply to vary the Premises Licence too.
Temporary Events Notices
If you only want a temporary events notice so you can for example serve alcohol on a one-off occasion we will guide you through the process.
Designated Premises Supervisors and Personal Licences
A Premises Licence can be held by an individual or a business but someone will need to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This person is responsible for the sale of alcohol on site and will have to hold a Personal Licence. We offer advice and guidance on how to get a Personal Licence.
Why work with Hough & Bollard?
Gaming machines and gambling
There are restrictions on the number and type of gaming machines you can automatically have with a Premises Licence. We can help you to increase the number and also advise you on what other forms of gambling you can offer in your premises without breaking the law.
Enforcement Action
Local authority enforcement and the police can make site inspections and carry out age verification testing. If your business is not fully compliant, they can start regulatory action that may result in the Premises Licence being reviewed and ultimately revoked.
Providing alcohol licensing advice – from pubs, clubs and restaurants to off licences
Debbie Bollard has been acting for clients in the hospitality and retail sectors since the changes to the licensing laws in 2005. Hough & Bollard works with a variety of clients including pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and retailers.
Cost-effective, high-quality services for small, independent businesses across the country
Hough & Bollard understands that not all businesses can afford city prices but strive to deliver the same bespoke service for independent business owners. Hough & Bollard's focus is on achieving a successful outcome for clients; key strengths are pragmatism and hard work to deliver clear, practical and competent alcohol licensing advice and services.