LICENSED premises across the South are facing a major upheaval in the law as the Licensing Act comes into force today - the biggest changes in 30 years.

It affects all businesses and clubs requiring a new licence or with an existing licence - "without exception".

Moore & Blatch's Sarah Bell said: "The practical effects of implementation have been overshadowed by the political and media focus on the potential for 24-hour drinking the Act brings."

Licensing applications under the 2003 Act will be dealt with by local authorities with some rights of appeal to the magistrates' court.

The underlying principles behind the changes are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Key changes include:

one licence for the sale of alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment (premises licence);

personal licences to enable managers and supervisors to move between premises;

more flexible opening hours with the potential for 24/7 opening if certain conditions are met.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

APPLICATIONS under the Licensing Act 2003 must effectively be made by the end of July.

Final versions of forms have been published, several weeks after they were promised.

Many forms have already been suspended as they contained errors.

There 26 different forms. Several are 13 or 14 pages long. Some applications may also require additional action such as risk assessments.

Lester Aldridge licensing lawyer Judith Adamson said: "The new system is based on two licences, which act together like a lock and key to open the way for the holder to sell alcohol.

"These two licences are the personal licence and the premises licence. You must have these licences before the new regime comes into force or you will be unable to trade."

First published: February 7