A growing risk – loss of licence.
Loss of licence is an ever-present risk for nightclubs, bars, live music rooms and other licensed venues. This risk of licence disputes is increasing, and a contributing factor to the continued accelerated decline of nightclub numbers across the UK.
Councils are revoking licences after spurious complaints, isolated incidents or biased licensing authority reviews. Even when allegations are disproven, councils are quick to suspend or revoke licences. And without a licence, you can’t trade.
Noise complaints, safety incidents and regulatory challenges are leading to a rising number of licensing suspensions, restrictions or revocations; the numbers speak for themselves.
Licensing requires an overhaul
Recently, the call for licensing overhaul has strengthened. London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has backed an independent taskforce named, The Nightlife Taskforce. The nightlife taskforce have published a report which detail licensing reform recommendations as well as proposed support solutions.
The Nightlife Taskforce’s new independent report sets out a comprehensive plan to drive the future of the capital at night. Outlining 23 recommendations across 10 areas to protect, support and grow London’s vital night time industries. The report is the most up-to-date and comprehensive evidence base on London’s nightlife ever produced.
The London Mayor published a press release, stating he hopes for clarity and consistency and to overcome the burden of outdated licensing.
Find the full report from the Nightlife Taskforce here.
Any changes are yet to be seen – It is expected for local councils and mayors to receive new licensing powers from central government. For some venues, these changes may come too late…
We want to hear from you
We are ready to here from you. If you are a nightclub operator, manager, or work in hospitality, let’s us know you thoughts. At NDML, we want to review the experiences of our network in order to best inform ourselves upon any upcoming industry changes. We sit at the top table alongside organisations and decision-makers, and we hope to utilise your experiences to guarantee better outcomes for the whole sector.
Licensing Worries Inbox
Learn more about Licensecure
Licensecure is a versatile and detailed insurance policy. The insurance cover includes legal expenses and management liability risks.
What is included in a Licensecure policy:
- Cover for the defence costs of alcohol and entertainment licence disputes.
- Legal defence for licence suspensions, revocations and refusals, with representation from licensing experts John Gaunt.
- Directors & Officers’ Liability cover and Corporate Legal Liability to defend against claims brought against the company or individuals.
- VAT and tax disputes guidance.
- Property access and trespass issues management and costs coverage.
- Defence costs for disciplinary hearings by professional and regulatory bodies.
- Court attendance costs coverage for your employees.
- Defences costs for HSE investigations.
Also included is a raft of benefits afforded to nightlife operators who purchase Licensecure:
- 24/7 crisis communication phone line
- Access to specialist licensing solicitors
- Reputation damage mitigation advice
- Identity theft support for senior staff
- Documentation portal for templates and examples
Licence reviews are more likely than ever, increasing 19% year on year.
One single complaint can trigger closure. Will your business survive the legal implications of losing your alcohol or entertainment licence?
Learn more about Licensecure and how to insure your licence here.