On 24 November 2005 the Licensing Act 2003 came into force. This Act transferred responsibility for the issue and control of liquor licences from the Magistrates Court to the Local Authority.

The Act covers a number of licensable activities including the sale and supply of alcohol, provisions of regulated entertainment and provision of late night refreshments (hot food or drink between the hours of 11pm and 5am). Licences are required for the following types of premises or events:

Pubs
Nightclubs
Restaurants
Takeaways including mobile vans that provide hot food/drink after 11pm
Social and Private Members Clubs
Cinemas and Theatres
Off Licences
Hotels, Guest Houses and Holiday Parks
Indoor Sporting Events
Musical Entertainment (Live and Recorded Music)
Occasional Events where alcohol and/or entertainment is provided.

Licensing Act 2003 - Licensing Policy

The Licensing Authority is required to formulate and issue a Statement of Licensing Policy. This can be viewed and downloaded as a pdf document by using the link set out below. This Policy governs the way in which the Licensing Authority will grant licences and was formally adopted by the Full Council on 29 October 2009 following a consultation process which involved the public, the licensed trade, local businesses and various other organisations.

The Act requires the Licensing Policy to be kept under constant review and in any case to be fully reviewed every three years and therefore the consultation process will be repeated to ensure that the Policy is kept up to date.

Download a copy of our Statement of Licensing Policy.

Application Forms

Download your application forms and guidance notes here.

For additional information and advice, please contact:

The Licensing Team
Tendring District Council
Legal Services
Carnarvon Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 6QF

Telephone: 01255 686565
Fax: 01255 686343
Email: licensingsection@tendringdc.gov.uk