Licensing Act 2003

In England and Wales, the Licensing Act 2003 is the legislation used to license premises in their sale of alcohol. It is the basis of alcohol laws and sets out the rules any business selling alcohol must follow. It also regulates certain forms of entertainment including indoor sport, films and live performance.

It is based on the following four objectives:

  • preventing crime and disorder
  • preventing public nuisance
  • promoting public safety
  • protecting children from harm

Licensing decisions

The Council has created a licensing policy (PDF File, 1,031kb), setting out our approach to dealing with applications for personal and premises licences.

When the licensing committee or sub-committee consider applications, they must take into account:

  • our licensing policy
  • the Licensing Act 2003
  • guidance issued by the home office under the act

We have a duty to publish a register of premises and personal licences (PDF File, 1,429kb)

Find out more about the types of licence we issue and which businesses need a premises licence.

Statement of Licensing Policy Consultation

The Licensing Act 2003 requires that licensing authorities review their statement of Licensing Policy every five years. Newark and Sherwood District Council has begun consultation on its proposed Statement of Licensing Policy for 2024 - 2029. The draft policy was approved for consultation by Licensing Committee at the meeting in September 2023. 

We are inviting any interested parties and stakeholders to review the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy Consultation (PDF File, 1,635kb) and provide any feedback to us before the consultation period closes on 20 October.

If you would like to provide us with your comments on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy please send them to licensing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk