Premises licence review

There may be occasions when concerns exist over the operation of a licensed premises which cannot be resolved either through mediation or enforcement action. In those situations, a responsible authority or another affected may request that the applicable licence is reviewed.

An application for the review of a premises licence must be given in writing, and the grounds upon which a review is requested must relate to one or more of the licensing objectives (preventing crime and disorder; public safety; preventing a public nuisance; or protecting children from harm).

Anybody requesting a review will be expected to demonstrate the extent of the problem that forms the grounds for review.

The review process is intended to be used as a last resort and attempts to resolve the problem should have been made through other avenues (e.g., informal approaches and intervention by other council services such as the Environmental Protection team) before a request for a review is submitted.

The licensing authority may reject any ground for a review it considers to be frivolous, vexatious or repetitious, or if the grounds cannot be attributed to the operation of the premises concerned. Additionally, an application may not be made anonymously, as we must be able to verify that the applicant is legally entitled to make such an application.

Making a review application

Before downloading and completing the application form, please refer to the guidance for applicants, which explains the process and how to complete the form.

Download the application form

Please send your completed application form, along with any supporting evidence, to:

You must also send a copy of your application form and supporting evidence to:

• the holder of the licence you are requesting a review of
• each of the responsible authorities

Next steps

Once your application has been received, representations may be made in the next 28 days by the responsible authorities and other local residents, businesses and bodies in respect of the licensed premises in question. The licensing authority will advertise the application at our offices, at or near the premises and on our website.

After this period has finished the licence will be reviewed by the Licensing Committee at a hearing. The person who made the initial application, the licence-holder, and any other person or body who has made representation will be invited to the hearing to put their case forward.

After considering the representations from all parties, the Sub-Committee can leave the licence as it is, reduce the times/activities, impose conditions, or even suspend or revoke it.

For further assistance in making an application, please contact the Licensing team by email to licensing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or calling 01892 554034 and leave a message.