Wakefield Council’s Licensing team are urging current licensees to get their applications in by the deadline of 6th August this year in order to get approval to stay open after November.

Only a few hundred applications have been received to date and it is anticipated that well over 3,000 will need to be processed.

The rule applies to all current licence holders wanting to convert their existing licences during the transitional period which ends in August so that the licences issued will be in place for the 24th November deadline. Existing licensees will be given so called ‘grandfather’ rights, where they will automatically be given the new style licence on application - provided there are no police objections and exactly the same conditions apply.
If applications are not made in time, the person or premises could be closed for business as their current licence will not be valid. The Licensing Act now applies to take-aways and fish and chip restaurants which are open after 11pm.

Cllr Jack Kershaw, Chair of the Licensing Committee said: “ We have sent out information to everyone we believe will need to convert their licences., and are sending out information to other premises which will need a licence under the new laws, but have not required a licence before.

“If current licence holders do not get their applications in on time, then instead of a conversion, they will be faced with having to make a completely new application, and to date we know there are many outstanding.

“We have the support of the licensed trade and associations who are working in partnership us including the Licensed Victuallers Association, the British Beer & Pub Association and the Police.”

Tony Payne , Chief Executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers’ Association, said: “ We fully support Wakefield Council and would urge all licensees and potential licensees to process their applications as soon as possible so that they do not miss the deadline.”

Anyone need help or advice on the new Licensing Laws can contact the Licensing Office on 01924 302920 or call at the Licensing offices in Cluntergate, Horbury or view the Council’s website information page on www.wakefield.gov.uk.