What is a representation?
A representation is a statement of information relating to the whole of an application or part of it. For example, if it is felt that the applicant is not putting sufficient control measures in place to prevent customers from disturbing local residents, then a representation can be made.
Representations must relate to one of the four licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder;
- Public safety;
- The prevention of public nuisance; and
- The protection of children from harm
When can a representation be made?
Representations must be made within 28 consecutive days of the start date of the application.
Who can make a representation?
Any one of the seven responsible authorities, or any interested parties, can make a representation. An interested party is a resident or a business, or someone representing a resident or a business, who lives or operates within the vicinity of the premises that has made the licence application.
Please Note: Interested parties cannot make representations anonymously, though someone who has made a representation could request that somebody else (e.g. a local MP or councillor) act on their behalf at any subsequent hearing.
The Licensing Authority will verify that any representations are made by a person or body that qualifies as an interested party, as explained above. Additionally, the Licensing Authority cannot accept any representations that are considered to be frivolous and/or vexatious, as defined in the Licensing Act 2003.
It is also important that an applicant is able to respond to a representation. If interested parties are concerned about possible intimidation, they could consider asking the police, or another appropriate responsible authority, to make a representation on their behalf.