Cheaper and simpler licensing application procedure on the horizon
The process of making licence applications is expected to become simpler and cheaper for operators under government alterations to the Licensing Act.
Electronic applications, due to come into play in December this year, are predicted by the government to save operators a collective £1.5m.
Under the voluntary system, operators will no longer be required to seek agreement from local authorities before making electronic licensing applications or to follow it up with a written application.
Local authorities will therefore be responsible for copying applications at an extra cost and sending them to other authorities, such as the police, for assessment.
With the exception of personal licences the electronic applications will be possible for all types of licences from premise licences to temporary notice licences.
Jeremy Allen, a partner at licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, said electronic applications have the potential to generate significant cost and time savings for operators.
"The electronic system will be quite exciting if it runs smoothly and if it is easy to use there could also be great savings for applicants," he said.
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By Emma White
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